LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

GIFT  O 


^ccesM       86730 


**-„ 


THE    LIFE    OF 

MARTHA    BRAITHWAITE. 


LOVING  SERVICE. 


A   RECORD   OF 


THE   LIFE   OF 

flfcartba  Braitbwaite, 


BY   HER  DAUGHTER, 


ELIZABETH    B.    EMMOTT.  , 


"  My  only  hope  is  in  Him  who  hath  shed  His  precious  blood  a  sacrifice 
for  my  sins.  I  long  to  be  stirred  up  to  diligence,  that  through  the  remaining 
days  or  years  of  my  earthly  pilgrimage  my  light  may  indeed  shine  brighter 
and  brighter  unto  the  perfect  day."—  EXTRACTED  FROM  HER  JOURNAL. 


Xon&on  : 

HEADLEY   BROTHERS, 

14.    BISHOPSGATE    STREET    WITHOUT,  E.G. 


MDCCCXCVI. 


HEADLEY  BROTHERS, 

PRINTERS, 
LONDON    AND    ASHFORD,    KENT. 


PREFACE. 

The  following  biography  of  my  beloved  wife 
is  mainly  drawn  from  her  own  private  memoranda. 
It  has  been  prepared  by  my  daughter  Elizabeth, 
and  will,  I  trust,  prove  to  many  an  instructive 
exhibition  of  the  manifold  possibilities  of  a  life 
of  ordinary  duty,  devoted  to  the  loving  service  of 
that  Redeemer,  of  whose  presence  with  her  it 
was  her  habitual  concern  and  highest  joy  to  bear 
a  continual  testimony  in  her  daily  life. 

It  was  intended  primarily  for  the  immediate 
family  circle,  but  believing  that  many  others  will 
enjoy  its  perusal  I  have  consented  to  its  wider 
publication.  To  myself  her  life  was  a  constant 
stimulus  to  renewed  consecration,  whilst  her  tender 
affection  was  a  never-failing  spring  of  refreshment 
and  repose  amidst  the  strain  of  many  arduous 
and  anxious  duties.  Her  diligence  was  remarkable, 
yet  it  never  prevented  her  from  indulging  in  the 
hallowed  leisure  of  faithful  love. 


86730 


Vi.  PREFACE. 

It  is  my  prayer,  for  myself  and  for  our 
beloved  descendants,  and  for  all  who  may  peruse 
these  pages,  that,  in  the  unmerited  mercy  of  that 
precious  Saviour  in  whom  it  was  her  joy  to 
believe,  we  may  all  be  permitted  to  meet  and 
to  rejoice  with  His  redeemed  who  have  gone 
before,  in  the  unwearied  services  of  His  everlasting 
love  and  praise. 

J.  B.  BRAITHWAITE. 

312,  Camden  Road, 

London,  N. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   I. 

Parentage— Early  Life  of  Joseph  Ashby  Gillett— Martha 
Gibbins'  Childhood  and  School  Days — Death  of  her 
father — Marriage  of  J.  A.  Gillett  and  Martha  Gibbins 
— Their  Removal  to  Banbury — Birth  of  their  eldest 
child,  Martha — Anecdotes  of  her  Childhood — Her 
early  religious  impressions  —  Recollections  of  her 
father  and  mother  in  their  Banbury  home  -  i 

CHAPTER   II. 

School  Life— At  Hemel-Hempsted— At  Rochester— Concern 
for  her  Schoolfellows — Extracts  from  her  Journal — 
Extracts  from  letters  from  her  Mother  received 
whilst  at  School 12 

CHAPTER   III. 

Return  from  School — Brothers  and  Sisters — Recollections 
of  girlhood — Rides  with  her  Father — Love  of  nature 
— Training  in  domestic  duties — Care  for  the  poor — 
Sibford  School — Concern  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of 
her  Brothers  and  Sisters — Love  for  little  children — 
Illness  and  death  of  her  little  sister  Isabella — 
Death  of  her  grandfather,  William  Gillett  -  -21 

CHAPTER   IV. 

Adoption  of  the  "  Plain  Dress  " — Attendance  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting — Acknowledgement  as  a  Minister — Spiritual 
help  received  from  Arnee  Frank — Extracts  from  his 
Letters — Letters  from  her  Mother  -  -  -  37 


Vlll.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  V. 

Visits  to  Families  of  Friends  in  Banbury  Monthly  Meeting, 
1846 — Visit  to  Meetings  in  Herefordshire,  Worces- 
tershire, Wales,  etc. — Extracts  from  Journal  relating 
to  same 53 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Visit  to  Kent  Q.M.  and  to  Sussex  and  Surrey  Q.M.,  1848 
— Visits  to  Fallen  Women  and  to  some  Lodging 
Houses  and  Beer  Houses  in  Banbury,  8th  mo., 
1849  -  -  63 

CHAPTER  VII. 

First  acquaintance  with  J.  B.  Braithwaite  —  His  visit  to 
Banbury  and  to  Sidmouth — Their  engagement — Illness 
of  her  brother  Joseph — His  death  -  -  -  78 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Religious  Visit  to  Ireland  accompanied  by  Deborah 
Beesley  —  9th  mo.  26th,  1850,  to  2nd  mo.  3rd, 
1851  -  -  -  ' 85 

CHAPTER   IX. 

Yearly  Meeting  of  1851 — Selection  of  a  home  in  London 
— Her  father's  illness — Preparations  for  her  Marriage 
— The  Wedding  Day — Letter  from  Anna  Braithwaite 
— J.B.  and  M.B.'s  journey  to  Keswick,  Scotby  and 
Kendal— Return  home 99 

CHAPTER  X. 

65,  Mornington  Road — Settling  in — Letter  to  her  mother — 
Hospitality — Family  visits  in  Westminster  Monthly 
Meeting — Yearly  Meeting  of  1852 — Visit  to  Scotby— 
Birth  of  her  first  child — Visit  to  Banbury— Death  of 
her  father — "Recollections"  of  her  father  -  in 


CONTENTS.  ix. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Stay  at  High  Close  Farm  and  at  Kendal — Return  home 
— Visit  to  some  parts  of  Berkshire  and  Oxfordshire 
Quarterly  Meeting — Memoir  of  J.  J.  Gurney — Car- 
riage accident  near  Sibford  —  Birth  of  another 
daughter  —  Stay  at  Scotby  —  Week-day  Meetings — 
Concern  for  her  servants — Visit  to  Banbury — Birth 
of  a  son — Stay  at  Redcar  and  visits  to  some 
Meetings  in  the  North — Diligence  in  using  present 
opportunities — Watchwords  •  123 

CHAPTER   XII. 

Visits  to  Meetings  in  neighbourhood  of  London — Visits 
to  invalid  Friends — Anxiety  as  to  temporal  concerns 
— Birth  of  another  child — Visit  to  Banbury  during 
her  husband's  absence  in  the  North — Visits  with 
her  husband  to  families  of  Friends  in  Westminster 
Monthly  Meeting — Apparent  difficulties  removed — 
Birth  of  a  daughter — Visit  to  Redcar  and  Scotby — 
Birth  of  another  daughter — Death  of  Anna  Braith- 
waite  and  her  daughter  Anna — Visit  to  Isaac 
Braithwaite  at  Kendal  -  -  137 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Visit  to  Families  of  Friends  at  Kendal,  also  to  parts 
of  Westmorland  Q.M.  and  of  Lancashire  and 
Cheshire  Q.M. —Marriage  of  Charles  Gillett— Birth 
of  a  son — Removal  to  house  in  Camden  Road — 
Meeting  for  Workmen — Serious  illness  in  winter 
of  1861— Death  of  Isaac  Braithwaite— Death  of 
two  of  her  sisters  ----__  148 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Yearly  Meeting  of  1862 — Illness — Visit  to  Ilfracombe  and 
Banbury — Birth  of  a  son — Visits  to  families  of  Friends 
in  Holloway  Meeting — Visit  to  Shanklin — Illness  in 
Spring  of  1864 — "Fireside  Hymn  Book" — Birth  of 
her  youngest  child — The  complete  family  circle — 


X.  CONTENTS. 

The  Mother's  influence — Prayers  for  and  with  her 
Children — Care  over  their  Reading — Their  Dress — 
The  Sermon  of  her  life — Children's  occupations, 
Carpentering,  etc.,  and  at  the  seashore — Absences 
from  home-  -  ...  i$g 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Martha  Braithwaite  as  her  husband's  helper — His  first 
visit  to  the  United  States — Visit  to  Redcar — Review 
of  next  five  or  six  years — Her  Religious  Engagements, 
including  Visit  to  Ireland — Efforts  for  the  Freedmen 
— Work  at  Bedford  Institute — Visits  to  Homoepathic 
Hospital — Mothers'  Meeting  at  Westminster — Mar- 
riage of  her  brother  George — His  settling  in  London 
— Visits  to  the  Seashore — Her  Children's  Education 
— Death  of  her  uncle  Joseph  Gibbins — Death  of 
Benjamin  Seebohm  -  -  -  -  -  -  169 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Her  husband's  journey  on  the  Continent  for  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society  —  His  illness  —  Her 
journey  to  Athens  —  Their  stay  there  and  return 
home 185 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Visit  to  Meetings  of  London  and  Middlesex  Q.M. — 
Her  children's  interests — Commencement  of  work  at 
Bunhill  Fields — Concern  for  Cabmen — Annual  Teas — 
Cabmen's  Shelter — Visit  to  the  Vaudois  Valleys 
and  the  South  of  France  with  her  husband,  R. 
and  C.  Alsop,  and  her  daughter  Anna — Continued 
interest  in  the  work  and  workers  on  the  Continent 
— Death  of  Robert  Alsop  —  Her  husband  liberated 
for  his  second  visit  to  the  U.S.A. — Death  of  A.  P. 
Foster — Engagement  of  her  daughter  Anna  to  Dr. 
R.  H.  Thomas — Visit  to  families  in  Banbury 
Monthly  Meeting — J.B.B.'s  return  home  -  201 


CONTENTS.  xi. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Illness  early  in  1877 — Yearly  Meeting— Isaac  Sharp's 
journey — Stay  at  Sidmouth — Visits  to  families  in 
her  own  Monthly  Meeting,  etc. — Illness  of  her 
mother — Marriage  of  her  daughter  Anna— Yearly 
Meeting  of  1878 — Visit  of  her  husband  to  Western 
Yearly  Meeting— Death  of  C.  R.  Alsop— Who  will 
carry  on  the  work  in  France  ? — Enters  upon  the 
work — Extract  from  last  French  Report  -  -  218 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

Visits  to  Worthing  and  Banbury — Her  mother's  serious 
illness — Engagement  of  her  eldest  son — Engage- 
ment of  her  daughter  Elizabeth — Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas 
comes  to  England — Bridlington  — "  Memorials  of 
Christine  M.  Alsop  " — Yearly  Meeting  of  1881 — 
Alarming  illness — Partial  recovery — Journey  to  Mont 
Dore  and  stay  there — Life  as  an  invalid — Visit  to 
Banbury — Winter  at  Falmouth  and  Torquay — Death 
of  her  mother  -  -  229 


CHAPTER   XX. 

Visit  to  her  Daughter  at  Wilmslow  —  Winter  at 
Falmouth — Her  husband  and  son  leave  for  journey 
to  the  East — Epidemic  of  typhoid  fever — Illness  of 
one  of  her  sons — Journey  of  her  husband  to  Canada 
— His  serious  carriage  accident  and  subsequent 
illness — His  return  home — A  quiet  winter  together — 
Visits  from  her  children — Changes  •  in  the  family 
circle — Marriage  and  departure  for  Japan  of  her 
daughter,  Mary  C.  Braithwaite — Her  son  George 
appointed  sub-agent  for  the  Bible  Society  in  Japan 
— Marriage  of  her  daughter  Martha — Correspondence 
with  her  absent  children  and  with  others  -  240 


Xll.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1886— J.  B.  Braithwaite's  fifth  visit  to  the  United  States  in 
the  autumn  of  1887 — Stay  at  Bispham,  serious  illness 
there — Her  daughter  Elizabeth  and  family  leave  for 
Baltimore — Adelaide  N.  Whitney — Visits  from  absent 
children  —  Death  of  Isaac  Braithwaite  —  Famine  in 
Japan  -  254 

CHAPTER   XXII. 

Visit  to  Scotland  with  her  husband  and  daughter  Rachel 
in  autumn  of  1890 — Visits  to  Kendal  and  More- 
cambe — Isaac  Sharp  starts  on  his  long  journey — 
Serious  illness  in  1892 — Stay  at  Hastings — Death 
of  C.  LI.  Braithwaite — Mission  Hall  at  Philippopolis 
— Visit  of  G.  H.  and  E.  B.  Emmott  in  summer 
of  1893,  and  of  her  son  George — Death  of  George 
Gillett — Death  of  Alfred  Gillett  -  -  -  263 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Stay  at  Clevedon — R.  H.  and  Anna  B.  Thomas  pay  a 
religious  visit  to  England — Yearly  Meeting  of  1894 
— Visits  to  Willesden  and  Shanklin — To  Banbury — 
Winter  at  home — Birth  of  her  eighteenth  grandchild, 
and  prospect  of  visit  from  Dr.  and  M.  C.  Whitney 
— Extracts  from  letters  to  her  grandchildren — Illness 
in  Spring  of  1895 — Her  last  day  on  earth — The  call 
Home — The  funeral — The  Message  of  her  Life  -  273 

APPENDIX. 
A  mother's  hints  on  the  education  of  her  children  -     285 


CHAPTER   I. 

Parentage — Early  Life  of  Joseph  Ashby  Gillett — Martha 
Gibbins'  Childhood  and  School  Days — Death  of  her 
Father — Marriage  of  J.  A.  Gillett  and  Martha  Gibbins 
— Their  Removal  to  Banbury — Birth  of  their  eldest 
child,  Martha — Anecdotes  of  her  Childhood — Her 
early  religious  impressions  —  Recollections  of  her 
Father  and  Mother  in  their  Banbury  Home. 


Tf  7TARTHA  BRAITHWAITE  was  the  eldest  child 
I VI  of  Joseph  Ashby  and  Martha  Gillett \  of 
Banbury,  Oxfordshire,  where  she  was  born  on 
the  1 5th  of  3rd  month,  1823.  A  few  particulars  of 
the  early  life  of  these  dearly  loved  parents,  whose 
influence  on  her  own  character  was  so  strongly 
marked,  may  be  of  interest  here.  Her  father,  Joseph 
Ashby  Gillett,  was  the  eldest  son  of  William  and 
Hannah  Gillett*  (nee  Ashby),  of  Brailes,  Warwick- 
shire, and  was  born  there  on  the  4th  of  gth  month, 
1795.  Joseph  A.  Gillett  was  educated  at  Ackworth 
School,  and  on  leaving  there  was  apprenticed  for 
a  few  years  to  the  Burgesses,  (a  well-known  family  of 
Friends  at  Leicester)  to  learn  the  wool  business,  and 


*  Hannah  Gillett  was  one  of  the  four  daughters  of  Joseph  Ashby.  They  all 
married,  and  each  named  her  eldest  son  Joseph  Ashby,  after  her  own  father. 
The  Ashby's  were  a  Warwickshire  family. 


afterwards  became  his  father's  helper  in  the  plush 
business,  until  he  removed  to  Shipston-on-Stour  to 
act  as  manager  for  Whitehead  and  Lowe's  Bank, 
where  we  find  him  at  the  time  of  his  marriage. 

Martha  Gillett  was  the  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Martha  Gibbins  (nee  Bevington),  and  was  born  at 
Prospect  Row,  Birmingham,  the  2nd  of  ist  month, 
1798.  She  was  one  of  the  younger  of  sixteen 
children,  twelve  of  whom  lived  to  be  over  twenty- 
one  years  of  age.  In  1799,  when  quite  a  baby,  she 
was  taken  by  her  eldest  sister,  Anne,  who  was 
nearly  twenty  years  her  senior,  to  visit  their  grand- 
mother, Martha  Bevington,  at  Eatington.  "  Dear 
Martha "  is  spoken  of  as  "  a  lovely  child,"  and  as 
she  grew  older  was  a  great  pet  amongst  the  large 
family  of  brothers  and  sisters,  and  especially  so 
from  the  fact  that  two  little  sisters  and  a  brother 
who  were  younger  than  herself  all  died  in  infancy. 
As  the  sister  next  in  age  to  herself  was  fifteen 
years  her  senior,  little  Martha  became  the  playmate 
of  her  brothers  and  learned  to  love  boyish  games 
and  to  excel  in  all  kinds  of  outdoor  sports.  From 
being  a  delicate  child  she  grew  up  into  a  strong, 
healthy  girl,  able  efficiently  to  help  her  mother  in 
caring  for  her  brothers,  and  afterwards  to  bring  up 
her  own  large  family,  and  live  to  a  ripe  old  age 
to  see  her  grandchildren  and  a  great-grand- 
daughter growing  up  around  her.  At  ten  years  of 
age  she  was  sent  to  a  boarding  school  at  Leicester, 
kept  by  a  convinced  Friend  (Elizabeth  Herrick), 
the  widow  of  an  officer.  There  were  only  six 


pupils  at  this  school,  so  that  it  was  almost  like  a 
family  party,  and  a  life-long  friendship  afterwards 
existed  between  these  young  people.  It  was  rather 
remarkable  that  she  and  two  of  her  school-fellows, 
Sarah  Charles  Fox,  of  Falmouth,  and  Eliza  Merrick, 
of  Manchester,  were  all  gathered  to  their  heavenly 
Home  within  a  few  months  of  each  other,  after 
long  lives  of  loving  and  devoted  service  to  their 
Lord  and  Saviour. 

Some  idea  of  her  school  life  may  be  gained 
from  the  following  extract  from  a  letter  to  her 
brother  Joseph,  written  from  Leicester,  i2th  month 
23rd,  1812.  She  says,  "  This  is  the  first  day  of 
our  winter  holidays,  and  we  are  all  very  merry. 
We  have  had  very  cold,  frosty  weather  lately,  but 
governess  makes  us  run  twelve  times  up  and  down 
stairs,  which  is  good  exercise.  We  got  up  at  five 
o'clock  this  morning,  and  one  of  the  girls  and  I 
lighted  the  fire  ;  we  like  getting  up  early  very  much, 
it  is  the  best  part  of  the  day.  We  are  very  fond 
of  drawing  droll  little  things,  and  now  we  have 
plenty  of  time.  I  should  like  to  come  and  see  thee 
at  Swansea,  and  I  hope  mother  will  let  me  when 
I  come  home." 

It  was  whilst  she  was  at  school,  when  little 
more  than  thirteen  years  of  age,  that  she  had  the 
great  sorrow  of  losing  her  beloved  father,  who  died 
very  suddenly  of  apoplexy  in  London,  after  only 
two  hours'  illness,  at  the  close  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  in  1811,  at  which  he  had  been  acting  as 
Clerk.  He  was  fifty-five  years  of  age.  His  wife 


had  his  slippers  warming  at  the  fire  ready  for  his 
expected  arrival  by  coach  when  a  messenger  came 
to  break  the  sad  news  that  he  would  never 
return  to  his  earthly  home  again.  On  hearing  of 
her  father's  death,  our  grandmother  wrote  a  very 
affectionate  letter  to  her  mother,  dated  Bow  Bridge, 
3rd  of  6th  month,  1811,  which  she  tells  her  has 
not  been  "  seen  by  anybody,"  and  in  which  she 
says,  "  I  can  judge  of  thy  grief  in  some  measure 
by  my  own,  when  I  first  received  the  information 
of  the  death  of  my  dear  father,  but  I  prayed  to 
God  to  strengthen  me,  also  to  strengthen  theey  and 
the  rest  of  my  relations.  When  I  arose  from 
prayer  I  cannot  tell  thee  how  wonderfully  I  was 
supported  by  the  invisible  arm  of  God.  .... 
God  has  said  He  will  be  a  father  to  the  fatherless 
and  a  husband  to  the  widow.  ...  I  only  long 
that  we  may  all  soon  be  prepared  to  join  him  in 
singing  praises  to  God." 

The  following  memorandum  has  been  preserved 
concerning  her  father,  and  may  be  of  interest  to 
his  descendants  : — 

"  Joseph  Gibbins  was  in  the  button  business,  but 
when  others  began  to  mark  the  buttons  as  double- 
plated,  when  they  were  not,  he  did  not  feel  easy 
to  do  so,  and  therefore  could  not  compete  with 
them. .  With  his  large  family  this  was  a  great  trial 
of  his  faith,  but  he  felt  that  he  must  withdraw 
from  the  business,  let  the  consequences  be  what 
they  might.  About  this  time  a  gentleman  in  Bir- 
mingham, Sir  Matthew  Bolton  of  the  firm  of  Bolton 


&  Watts,  who  at  that  time  made  the  copper  coin 
for  the  kingdom  and  had  the  copper  from  the 
copper  works  at  Swansea,  asked  him  what  he  was 
going  to  do,  offering  at  the  same  time  to  give  him 
j£i,ooo,  or,  if  he  preferred  it,  to  lend  him  j£io,ooo, 
which  latter  he  gratefully  accepted,  and  went  into 
the  Swansea  copper  business.  He  soon  became  so 
prosperous  that  he  was  able  to  pay  back  all  that 
he  had  borrowed,  and  afterwards  became  a  partner 
in  the  bank  at  Birmingham." 

Martha  Gibbins  left  school  when  she  was  fifteen, 
and  returned  home  to  be  a  support  and  comfort 
to  her  widowed  mother,  whose  two  eldest  daughters 
were  already  married,  while  only  one  of  the  eight 
sons  was  as  yet  settled  in  business. 

It  was  during  her  school  days  at  Leicester  that 
she  had  first  met  Joseph  Ashby  Gillett,  who  was 
serving  his  apprenticeship  there,  and  although  she 
did  not  then  even  know  him  by  sight,  he  had  fixed 
his  affections  upon  her,  and  lie  made  this  known 
to  her  by  letter  when  she  was  about  eighteen. 
She  felt  herself  too  young  at  that  time  to  take  so 
important  a  step,  but  we  are  told  that  "  her  affec- 
tions were  drawn  towards  him  as  they  became 
better  acquainted,"  and  she  accepted  his  proposals 
a  few  years  later.  They  were  married  at  Birming- 
ham on  the  29th  of  the  8th  month,  1821,  at  which 
time  she  was  23  years  of  age.  They  settled  at 
Shipston-on-Stour,  in  Worcestershire,  where  Joseph 
Ashby  Gillett  was  manager  of  the  bank,  and  lived 
there  till  early  in  the  2nd  month,  1823,  when  they 


1823-31. 

removed  to  Banbury  where  J.  A.  Gillett  became 
a  partner  with  his  brother-in-law,  Joseph  Gibbins, 
in  the  bank,  and  where  he  became  also  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  plush. 

It  was  here  that  a  few  weeks  later  their  eldest 
child,  afterwards  Martha  Braithwaite,  was  born  ; 
and  shortly  after  her  birth  her  parents  removed 
from  the  house  in  Neithrop,  which  they  had  been 
temporarily  occupying,  to  a  very  convenient  and 
pleasant  house,  facing  the  " Horse  Fair"  in  Banbury, 
quite  close  to  the  Meeting  House,  and  also  near 
to  the  Bank.  Here  they  lived  till  about  the  year 
1835,  when  they  removed  into  the  house  in  West 
Bar  so  well-known  to  all  their  grandchildren.  This 
house  was  very  much  improved  and  enlarged  by 
J.  A.  Gillett  to  meet  the  needs  of  his  growing 
family,  and,  although  it  stands  in  the  town,  it  has 
a  beautiful,  large,  old-fashioned  garden  at  the  back, 
where,  except  for  the  Church  tower  peeping  above 
the  trees,  you  could  hardly  guess  that  there  were 
any  other  houses  near. 

Most  of  what  is  known  of  our  mother's  child- 
hood is  from  the  stories  which  she  told  to  her 
children.  One  of  her  earliest  recollections  was  of 
a  coach  ride  with  her  father,  when  she  was  about 
three  years  old,  from  her  grandmother,  Martha 
Gibbins'  house  at  Handsworth,  near  Birmingham, 
where  she  had  been  paying  a  long  visit.  She 
remembered  her  father  coming  to  fetch  her  home, 
and  how,  at  parting,  her  grandmother  gave  her  a 
small,  round,  covered  basket,  containing  four  buns, 


AET.  1-8. 


which,  although  they  had  currants  in  and  looked 
very  tempting,  she  decided  to  save  for  her  mother. 
Then  the  joy  of  the  home-coming,  with  the  warm 
glow  of  lamplight  and  firelight  after  the  cold 
journey,  the  tea  table  set  ready,  and  her  own  little 
mug  and  plate  and  high  chair  between  her  father's 
and  mother's,  and,  best  of <  all,  the  long,  long  kiss 
which  her  mother  gave  her  as  she  clasped  her  in 
her  arms  and  said,  "  My  precious  little  Martha,  I 
can  never,  never  spare  thee  to  go  away  from  me 
again."  After  tea  her  mother  took  her  upstairs  to 
the  nursery,  and  showed  her  the  treasure  which 
had  arrived  during  her  absence,  in  a  little  baby 
sister,  named  Hannah  Mary.  She  was  delighted 
with  the  new  possession,  and  wanted  to  give  it 
some  of  the  treasured  buns. 

About  this  time,  too,  she  received  a  present  of 
a  large  wooden  doll,  named  "  Caroline,"  which 
played  an  important  part  in  her  childhood's  games. 
Dolls  were  not  so  plentiful  then  as  they  are  now, 
and  this  one,  with  its  painted  cheeks  and  wig  of 
real  hair,  was  no  ordinary  plaything,  especially  as 
there  came  with  it  a  goodly  store  of  clothes  all 
made  to  take  off  and  on.  It  had  stiff  wooden  legs, 
but  these  its  little  owner  promptly  broke  off  "  to 
make  it  sit  down."  Afterwards,  when  brothers  were 
added  to  the  nursery  party,  poor  "  Caroline  "  under- 
went a  good  deal  of  rough  treatment,  and  had  her 
wig  and  both  her  arms  shot  off  by  them  when  in 
use  as  a  target  ;  but  in  spite  of  it  all  she  survived 
to  figure  in  the  games  of  the  children  of  her 


8 


1823-31. 


original  owner,  in  which  she  acted  the  part  of 
grandmother  to  successive  generations  of  dolls. 

Another  incident  of  her  early  childhood  which 
our  mother  used  to  enjoy  telling  was  that  on  one 
occasion  when  a  venerable  ministering  Friend  came 
to  pay  a  family  visit  to  her  father  and  mother, 
and  they  were  about  to  send  her  from  the  room, 
the  Friend  said,  "  Oh,  let  the  dear  child  stay.  I 
am  sure  she  will  be  good."  So  she  sat  still  on  her 
little  stool  by  the  fire,  till,  thinking  in  her  childish 
mind  that  she  ought  to  clo  something  for  the 
entertainment  of  so  kind  a  friend,  she  looked  up 
in  his  face,  and  said,  "  Would  thee  like  to  hear  the 
fable  of  the  fox  and  the  goose  ?  "  This  caused  the 
Friend  to  say,  "  I  believe  the  dear  child  must  go  "  ; 
but  the  religious  opportunity  over,  he  did  not 
forget  her  question,  and  "  the  dear  child  "  was  again 
brought  in  to  sit  on  his  knee  and  repeat  to  him 
the  "  fox  and  goose  "  fable  and  other  pieces  which 
she  had  stored  in  her  retentive  memory. 

A  friend  who  knew  her  through  life  writes  : — 
"  I  first  saw  her  at  Banbury  in  the  home  of  her 
childhood  when  she  was  only  six  years  of  age,  and 
thought  her  a  sweet,  interesting  little  girl,  lively 
and  attractive,  and  so  well-behaved  that  it  seemed 
as  if  it  was  no  effort  to  her  <  to  try  to  be  good,' 
as  the  phrase  expresses  it."  She  was  very  early 
made  sensible  of  the  visitations  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
and  would  often  in  later  years  allude  to  the  sense 
which  was  early  granted  of  the  evil  of  her  own 
heart,  the  stubbornness  of  her  natural  will,  and  her 


AET.  1-8. 


need  of  the  Saviour's  pardoning  and  transforming 
grace.  No  record  has  been  preserved  of  the  actual 
period  when  she  first  realized  her  acceptance  as  a 
redeemed  child  of  her  Heavenly  Father  ;  but  in 
later  years  she  not  infrequently  referred  to  a 
definite  time  at  which  she  was  permitted  to 
experience  this  blessed  change.  We  know  that  it 
was  at  Banbury,  under  the  loving  care  of  her  father 
and  mother,  whose  chief  desire  for  their  children 
was  that  they  should  be  wholly  consecrated  to  the 
Lord,  that  our  dear  mother,  as  she  herself  has  told 
us,  "  learned  to  love  the  Lord  Jesus  when  a  very 
little  child,"  and  as  she  grew  in  years,  grew  also 
in  grace  and  heavenly  wisdom,  the  divine  life  in 
her  soul  being  constantly  fed  and  nourished  by  the 
influences  of  that  greatest  of  all  earthly  blessings — 
a  Christian  home.  This  clear  knowledge  that  her 
sins  had  been  washed  away  by  the  precious  blood 
of  Christ,  enabling  her  to  say  with  the  Apostle, 
"  He  loved  me  and  gave  Himself  for  me"  was 
the  foundation  of  the  Christian  life,  beautiful  in 
the  highness  of  its  aim,  which  so  many  have 
known  and  loved.  Looking  back  to  these  early 
days,  she  has  said  of  her  father  and  mother,  "They 
were  of  those  who  feared  the  Lord  from  their 
youth,  and  sought  to  walk  humbly  and  uprightly 
before  Him,  and  in  their  united  lives  they  were 
careful  to  walk  before  their  children  as  becometh 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  and  to  train  them  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  One  bright 
memory  of  my  dear  father  was  his  habitual  devout 


!0  1823-31. 

study  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  On  his  return  from 
his  early  morning  walk,  commenced  usually  at  six 
o'clock,  we  always  found  him  with  the  large  family 
Bible  open  before  him,  reading  for  half  an  hour 
before  we  assembled  for  breakfast.  Often  his  face 
looked  radiant  with  joy  as  he  joined  his  happy 
children  at  the  breakfast  table,  and  I  never  remem- 
ber to  have  seen  him  ruffled  by  any  of  the 
untoward  events  that  might  occur  afterwards  during' 
the  day.  The  secret  of  his  strength  was  in  God  ; 
in  Him  his  soul  had  found  rest  and  peace."  Of 
her  mother  she  says,  writing  for  her  own  children  : — 
"All  of  you  remember  her,  and  the  many  happy 
seasons  spent  in  the  dear  home  at  Banbury,  where 
you  were  privileged  to  share  her  love  and  care, 
and  to  witness  her  humble,  consistent  walk  with 
God.  She  was  of  a  retiring  disposition,  and  was 
little  known  beyond  the  immediate  circle  of  her 
family  and  friends,  but  she  was  diligent  in  the 
discharge  of  all  her  domestic  and  social  duties, 
still  having  in  rather  a  remarkable  degree 

"  a  heart  at  leisure  from  itself, 
To  soothe  and  sympathize." 

Her  children  were  the  objects  of  her  constant 
solicitude  and  care,  and  she  ever  sought  to  cheer 
them  on  in  the  path  of  holiness.  She  was  an  early 
riser,  and  spent  much  time  in  prayer  and  reading 
the  Holy  Scriptures  before  commencing  the  duties 
of  the  day,  and — come  what  might — nothing  seemed 
to  trouble  her  or  to  shake  her  faith  in  the  all- 
sufficient  power  and  love  of  her  dear  Saviour." 


AET.  1-8.  1 1 

Such  homes  are  the  true  nurseries  of  the 
Church,  and  we  cannot  wonder  that,  surrounded, 
as  it  were,  by  an  atmosphere  of  faith  and  prayer 
from  her  earliest  infancy,  our  dear  mother  grew  up 
as  a  plant  of  the  Lord's  own  planting,  to  bring 
forth  much  fruit  to  His  praise.* 


*  Is  there  not  now  some  danger,  amidst  the  multiplicity  of  engage- 
ments, both  secular  and  religious,  in  the  present  day,  of  crowding  out 
these  precious  opportunities  of  family  religious  intercourse  and  of  private 
ictirement  and  prayer,  which  have  been  in  a  past  generation  so  blessed 
to  many  ?— J.B.B. 


12 


1831-38. 


CHAPTER   II. 

School  Life — At  Kernel- Hempsted — At  Rochester — Con- 
cern for  her  Schoolfellows  —  Extracts  from  her 
Journal  —  Extracts  from  letters  from  her  Mother 
received  whilst  at  School. 


Tf  7TARTHA  GILLETT,  JUN.,  was  sent,  when 
JYJL  only  eight  years'  old,  to  a  boarding  School, 
at  Hemel- Hempsted,  and  afterwards  to  a 
school  at  Rochester,  kept  by  Ann  and  Eliza  Rick- 
man.  Her  sister,  Hannah  Mary,  was  with  her  most 
of  the  time  ;  but  travelling  in  those  days  was  so 
difficult  and  slow  that  they  only  came  home  once 
a  year  for  the  summer  vacation,  usually  receiving  a 
nice  parcel  from  their  mother  during  the  winter 
holidays,  which  they  spent  at  school.  At  Hemel- 
Hempsted  there  was  a  very  strict  rule  that  the 
girls  must  leave  nothing  on  their  plates  at  meal 
times,  and  when  fat  or  other  unpalatable  morsels 
fell  to  their  lot,  they  often  contrived  ingenious  ways 
of  disposing  of  them.  One  day  her  plate  contained 
a  quantity  of  gristle,  which  she  could  not  eat,  and 
did  not  dare  to  leave,  so  she  quietly  slipped  it  into 
her  pocket,  and,  by  way  of  getting  rid  of  it,  after 
dinner  fed  her  governess's  pet  owl  with  it.  Before 


AET.  8-15.  13 

the  owl  had  swallowed  it  all,  however,  the  school 
bell  rang,  and,  fearing  discovery,  she  stuffed  all  the 
remaining  gristle  into  the  poor  owl's  mouth,  and 
ran  in  to  school  without  waiting  to  see  the  result. 
The  owl  was  found  choked  to  death,  and  was 
brought  into  the  school-room  with  the  stern  enquiry 
"  Who  has  been  feeding  him  with  gristle  ? "  It  was 
a  terrible  moment  for  the  poor  child,  but  she  was 
brave  enough  to  stand  up  before  the  room  full  of 
girls  and  say,  "  Please,  teacher,  I  did  it,"  and  then, 
of  course,  the  whole  tale  came  out,  and  she  got 
plentifully  teased  about  it. 

The  skipping-rope  and  various  games  of  ball 
were  the  favourite  pastimes  at  this  school,  and 
into  all  these  she  entered  with  great  zest,  for  she 
was  a  lively,  high-spirited  girl,  ever  ready  to 
join  her  school-fellows  in  any  fun,  while  at  the 
same  time  her  character  was  marked  by  great 
conscientiousness  -and  the  desire  to  do  what  was 
right.  At  Rochester  school  the  severest  penalty 
was  to  be  sent  to  the  "Master's  Study."  The 
"  Master "  was  William  Rickman,*  a  sweet-spirited, 
gentle  old  Friend  whom  all  the  girls  loved  and 
honoured.  When  anyone  was  sent  to  him,  he 
would  begin  by  saying, ,  "  Now  then,  my  dear, 
tell  me  all  about  it,"  and  then,  « Well,  I  know 
thee  feels  sorry  for  having  been  so  naughty,  and 
will  not  do  so  again,  will  thee,  my  dear  ? "  After 


*  He  visited    the    United    States  as     a    minister    when     upwards    of 
seventy,  and  died  when  upwards  of  ninety. 


T4  1831-38. 

this  he  would  bring  out  some  fruit  or  cake,  and 
send  the  offender  away  with  a  very  reassuring  sense 
of  peace  and  forgiveness,  and  yet  feeling  much 
more  ashamed  and  humiliated  than  if  a  severe 
punishment  had  been  inflicted.  She  always  retained 
a  loving  respect  for  the  memory  of  Ann  and  Eliza 
Rickman,  with  the  former  of  whom  she  kept  up  a 
correspondence  for  many  years.  In  her  memoranda 
written  while  she  was  at  school  we  find  proofs  of 
that  earnest  concern  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  all 
around  her,  which  was  one  of  our  dear  mother's 
most  marked  characteristics  ;  also  of  her  desire  to 
yield  herself  up  unreservedly  to  the  teaching  and 
guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Under  date,  8th  mo. 
nth,  1837,  she  writes: — "Left  home  this  morning  on 
my  way  to  school.  It  was  a  great  trial  to  me  to  part 
from  all  those  I  love  so  dearly,  .  .  .  but  I  was 
favoured  to  feel  a  sweet  assurance  that  the  Lord 
would  be  with  me."  This  is  the  first  entry  in  a 
little  book  which  bears  the  following  inscription : — 
"  Extracts  from  Memoranda  commenced  at  school 
and  made  daily  by  me  for  many  years — the  main 
part  I  have  thought  it  better  now  to  destroy,  though 
at  the  time  I  found  the  practice  helpful  in  stimu- 
lating to  a  close  walk  with  my  God  and  Saviour — 
Martha  Braithwaite,  4th  mo.  29th,  1883."  That  this 
was  the  main  object  which  she  kept  in  view  in 
writing  these  memoranda  is  evident  from  the  fact 
that  very  little  mention  is  made  in  them,  especially 
in  the  earlier  ones,  of  passing  events,  except  in  so 
far  as  they  directly  affected  her  spiritual  life,  and 


AET.8-IS.  X 

it  is  often  difficult  to  gather  from  them  where  or 
under  what  circumstances  they  were  written.  The 
following  belong,  however,  to  her  school  life  : — 

8th  mo.  23rd,  1837. — "How  have  I  longed  this  day  to 
be  made  more  and  more  a  child  of  God,  and  I  have  felt 
willing1  to  bear  and  suffer  all  for  Him,  who  suffered  so 
much  for  me." 

8th  mo.  26th,  First-day. — "  This  evening  I  felt  it  my 
duty  to  speak  a  few  words  to  my  schoolfellows,  which  I 
did  in  much  fear,  and  I  can  truly  say  the  Lord  helped 
me." 

9th  mo.  i6th. — "Had  two  very  sweet  meetings  to-day, 
and  felt  much  refreshed  and  my  strength  renewed  in  the 
Lord." 

9th  mo.  2ist. — "Felt  it  my  duty  this  evening  to  speak 
a  few  words  to  my  schoolfellows  who  slept  in  the  same 
room  with  me,  which  I  did  in  much  fear." 

25th. — "Was  tempted  to  do  that  for  which  I  was  after- 
wards sorry." 

2nd  mo.  4th,  1838. — "  O  Heavenly  Father  be  merci- 
fully pleased  to  draw  me  daily  nearer  to  Thyself — O 
suffer  me  not  to  wander  far  from  Thee — make  me  just 
what  Thou  wouldst  have  me  to  be,  only  be  with  me  to 
the  end  of  my  life,  and  make  me  wholly  Thine." 

During  these  long  separations  from  home  her 
mother  followed  her  with  loving  and  prayerful 
interest,  and  such  of  her  letters  as  have  been 
preserved  are  extremely  interesting,  not  only  from 
the  glimpses  which  they  give  us  into  both  the  home 
and  school  life,  but  also  as  containing  much  wise 


i6 


1831-38. 


and  motherly  counsel.     The  following  may  be  given 

here  : 

"Banbury,  25th  of  2nd  mo.,   1833. 

I  have  many  times  wished  to  answer  thy  letter,  but 
thou  knowest  how  very  much  my  time  is  occupied,  so 
that  if  I  do  not  always  send  thee  an  answer  thou  must 
write  to  me  again.  I  was  very  glad  when  thou  hadst 
saved  money  enough  to  purchase  a  Bible ;  the  older  thou 
art  the  more  thou  wilt  value  its  contents.  Thy  remark 
about  prayer  was  correct,  and  we  shall  find  that  the 
more  we  give  way  to  each  other,  and  think  kindly  of 
each  other,  the  happier  we  shall  be  ourselves,  and  our 
prayers  will  be  more  acceptable.  Thy  work  box  is  a 
very  nice  one,  and  I  hope  before  long  thou  wilt  be  able 
to  purchase  a  pair, of  scissors  which  will  make  it  quite 
complete.  I  think  thy  uncle,  William  Gibbins,  when  he 
comes  will  be  pleased  to  see  it.  I  think  he  will  also 
like  to  see  your  gardens  and  the  pretty  little  arbour  that 
Powell  has  made  you,  but  it  will  look  much  prettier 
when  the  flowers  run  up  the  twigs.  I  will  endeavour  to 
look  thee  out  another  book." 

"  Banbury,  igth  of  2nd  mo.,  1836. 
"  My  dear  Martha  and  Hannah  Mary, 

"Elizabeth  Head  informs  me  she  intends  sending  a 
parcel  to  Maria  either  on  second  or  third  day  next  and 
will  enclose  a  letter  for  me,  I  therefore  thought  I  should 
like  to  write  you  a  few  lines  as  I  know  you  are  always 
pleased  to  hear  from  home.  I  had  intended  sending  you 
some  mince  pies,  etc.,  next  week,  but  think  now  I  shall 
leave  it  till  the  week  after,  so  if  there  is  anything  you 
want  you  had  better  let  me  know.  You  will  be  pleased 
to  hear  that  we  are  all  well ;  baby  has  been  poorly  with 


AET.  8-15-  J7 

a  troublesome  cold,  but  is  much  better.  She  begins  to 
take  notice  and  likes  to  watch  Alfred  running  about  the 
room.  The  same  morning  I  received  Martha's  letter  I 
received  one  also  from  dear  little  Joseph,  giving  a  good 
account  of  himself.  I  had  intended  sending  his  parcel 
next  week,  but  shall  now  defer  it  a  week  or  two,  as  he 
is  invited  to  spend  two  weeks  at  Gloucester  with  his 
cousin,  Charles  Sessions,  and  we  have  given  him  leave 
to  do  so.  ...  Charles  talks  a  great  deal  of  you  and 
his  brother  Joseph,  and  is  writing  all  your  names  in  his 
copy-book.  He  generally  comes  into  school  every  morning. 
Maria  Reynolds  took  him  to  see  the  Infant  School  yester- 
day, which  pleased  him  very  much.  I  have  not  been 
to  see  it  yet,  and  perhaps  I  shall  not  till  I  have  my 
dear  girls  to  go  with  me.  .  .  .  We  have  had  a  little 
snow  to-day  and  Charles  is  very  much  pleased  to  see  it 
and  hopes  we  shall  have  a  great  deal  that  he  may  make 
a  snowball.  ...  I  was  pleased  to  hear  that  you  were 
getting  on  with  the  footstool  and  little  bags.  How  do 
you  get  on  with  working  for  the  poor  ?  Have  you  given 
any  clothes  away?  I  should  like  to  hear  from  you  soon. 
Papa  unites  with  me  in  dear  love." 

6th  mo.  8th,  1836. 
To  her  daughter  Martha, 

"  Many  times  in  the  day  I  think  of  my  dear,  absent 
children  when  they  are  at  School,  and  there  is  nothing  I 
more  desire  for  them  than  that  they  may  be  willing  to  be 
true  Christians,  not  resting  satisfied  with  any  name,  but 
endeavouring  to  be  humble  followers  of  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer. The  path  that  His  disciples  may  have  to  tread 
may  at  times  appear  narrow,  and  Satan  would  try  to  per- 
suade them  that  they  are  debarred  from  many  of  the 
enjoyments  of  life,  but  be  assured  he  ever  has  been  and 


i8 


1831-38. 


still  is  a  deceiver  ;  for  the  Christian's  joys  are  far  beyond 
all  this  world  affords ;  if  he  is  not  living  a  life  of  splen- 
dour, he  has  a  mind  which  enjoys  life  with  a  heavenly 
peace.  Do  not  my  dear  child  forget  morning  and  evening 
to  seek  after  inward  prayer." 

Banbury,  6th  of  loth  mo.,  1836. 
"  My  dear  Martha, 

"H.M.  informs  me  in  her  letter  that  you  have  nearly 
finished  your  needlework.  I  think  you  have  been  very 
industrious  .  .  .  Our  garden  begins  to  look  very 
winterly.  Powell  has  been  gathering  the  apples  to-day. 
There  are  many  plants  in  the  greenhouse  in  flower  which 
look  very  cheerful.  I  have  sent  you  a  few  seeds,  but  it 
has  been  difficult  to  collect  many;  the  weather  has  been 
so  wet.  Next  week  is  the  large  fair  here  and  the  usual 
time  for  changing  servants — all  our  servants  stay  again 
which  I  am  glad  of  as  I  do  not  like  changes.  Alfred 
pleases  himself  with  the  idea  of  seeing  the  wild  beast 
show  if  there  is  one  at  the  fair.  I  have  had  very  little 
time  for  needlework  lately  on  account  of  baby's  illness; 
she  has  wanted  constant  attention.  It  is  a  great  comfort 
to  me  to  see  her  so  much  better  the  last  few  days  .  . 
I  often  think  of  thee  and  miss  thy  many  little  attentions, 
but  I  hope  thou  art  endeavouring  to  improve  thyself." 

Amongst  the  letters  are  two  or  three  poems 
written  by  Martha  Gillett  for  her  children  at 
different  times.  The  following  lines  will  serve  to 
show  the  poetic  feeling  as  well  as  the  desire  for 
their  best  welfare  which  breathed  through  these 
little  verses.  They  are  dated  24th  of  the  nth 
month,  1836,  and  are  headed  : — 


AET.  8-15.  19 

"TO  MY  DEAR  MARTHA." 

I  think  of  thee,  Martha,  when  evening  draws  nigh, 

I  think  of  thy  evening  prayer, 
With  a  wish  that  ere  slumber  may  rest  on  thine  eye, 

Sweet  peace  may  thy  pillow  prepare. 

The  mind  that  to  God  in  humility  bends, 

Desirous  of  Him  to  be  taught, 
Need  fear  no  alarm,  mid  the  storms  which  attend 

This  life,  though  with  terror  they're  fraught. 

The  Christian  has  joys  which  the  world  cannot  give, 
In  the  midst  of  his  sorrow,  there's  peace, 

For  God  is  his  friend,  and  a  balm  will  bestow, 
And  His  children  Himself  He  will  teach. 

Whate'er  we  give  up  to  the  will  of  our  God, 

Though  trifling  to  others  it  seem, 
Will  meet  its  reward ;  for  such  proof  of  our  love 

Is  a  sacrifice  pleasing  to  Him. 

Continue  to  seek  both  morning  and  night 

For  ability  rightly  to  pray, 
Look  to  God  through  His  Son  with  increasing  delight, 

And  steadfastly  hold  on  thy  way. 

One  more  letter  may  be  given  : 

"Banbury,  loth  mo.  i4th,  1837. 
"My  dear  Martha, 

"  I  have  been  wishing  for  some  time  to  write  to  thee, 
but  have  not  been  able  to  do  so  from  a  troublesome 
gathering  I  have  had  under  my  right  arm,  which  has 
prevented  my  being  able  to  use  my  hand,  but  I  am  now 
a  great  deal  better,  and  hope  in  another  week  to  feel 
myself  as  well  as  usual.  I  have  been  out  for  a  ride 


20  1831-38. 

when  the  weather  has  been  suitable  and  have  taken 
Alfred  with  me,  which  pleases  him  very  much,  and  he 
says  he  wishes  I  would  ride  to  Rochester  and  Thornbury. 
I  have  been  so  unwell  that  I  have  not  been  able  to 
teach  him.  I  received  your  parcel  on  sixth  day,  and  am 
much  obliged  to  thee  for  the  many  presents  it  contained, 
and  for  thy  affectionate  letter.  I  often  look  forward  with 
pleasure  to  the  time  when  thou  canst  be  with  me  and 
assist  me,  and  I  know  thou  wilt  be  willing  to  do  all  thou 
canst  for  me.  I  often  think  of  thee  and  my  other  dear 
children,  and  my  earnest  desire  is  that  you  may  be 
willing  to  give  up  your  whole  hearts  to  the  Lord  and 
strive  to  serve  and  obey  Him." 

Soon  after  this  date,  early  in  the  year  1838,  it 
was  thought  best  for  Martha  Gillett,  jun.,  to  leave 
school  and  return  home  to  help  her  mother  in  the 

•  care  of  her  large  family,  and  although  sorry  to 
give  up  her  studies  of  which  she  was  fond,  and  in 
which  she  was  making  great  progress,  she  was 

iglad  to  be  once  more  with  the  dear  home  circle, 
as  the  long  separations  had  been  very  trying  to 
her  affectionate  nature. 


AET.  15.  2I 


CHAPTER   III. 

Return  from  School — Brothers  and  Sisters — Recollections 
of  girlhood — Rides  with  her  Father — Love  of  nature 
— Training  in  domestic  duties — Care  for  the  poor — 
Sibford  School — Concern  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of 
her  Brothers  and  Sisters — Love  for  little  children — 
Illness  and  death  of  her  little  Sister  Isabella — 
Death  of  her  Grandfather,  William  Gillett. 


WHEN  Martha  Gillett,  jun.,  left  school  she 
became  her  mother's  loving  helper  at  home, 
where  two  little  brothers  and  a  sister  were 
the  only  members  of  the  family  party  then  at 
home.  One  little  brother,  named  Joseph,  died  in 
infancy,  and  her  sister  Hannah  Mary  was  still  at 
school,  as  well  as  the  brothers  next  in  age,  Joseph 
and  Charles.  During  the  years  immediately  succeed- 
ing, three  more  children  were  added  to  the  family  ; 
the  youngest  of  these,  the  sweet  baby  sister  Isabella, 
was  lent  to  them  only  for  a  few  months,  but  her 
memory  was  cherished  all  their  lives  as  something 
very  precious. 

Up  to  this  time  Martha  Gillett  had  herself  been 
teaching  the  younger  children  at  home,  but  was  very 
glad  to  have  her  daughter's  help  in  this  part  of 


22  1838-49. 

the  work,  and  for  sonie  years  our  mother  continued 
faithfully  to  fulfil  this  duty,  and  gained  the  warm  love 
of  her  little  pupils,  who  through  life  continued  to  look 
up  to  " Sister  Martha"  as  almost  a  second  mother. 
A  few  extracts  from  some  u  Recollections"  written  by 
her  for  her  own  children  may  help  to  give  an  idea 
of  the  home  influences  and  surroundings  of  this 
part  of  her  life.  She  says  : — "  The  home  at  Ban- 
bury,  as  you  all  know,  though  situated  in  the  town, 
has  a  row  of  beautiful  lime  trees  in  front,  extending 
up  the  hill,  and  the  gardens  also  in  front  of  many 
of  the  houses  make  it  scarcely  seem  like  a  town 
residence.  In  one  little  room  on  the  premises, 
built  for  us  by  our  dear  father,  and  called  "the 
museum,"  we  spent  many  happy  hours  together, 
arranging  collections  of  shells,  minerals,  etc.,  and 
in  the  large  and  beautiful  garden,  planned  and 
arranged  by  him,  we  rested  and  refreshed  ourselves 
during  the  intervals  of  our  busy  lives,  which  were 
filled  up  with  constant  occupation.  The  nursery, 
too,  when  brothers  and  sisters  were  little,  was  a 
delightful  resting-place,  and  the  picture  of  my  dear 
mother  amongst  her  children  will  not  soon  be 
forgotten.  The  care  of  them  she  made  her  first 
duty,  and  never  neglected  them  for  her  own 
pleasure.  She  was  always  an  early  riser,  and  never 
allowed  her  domestic  duties  to  interfere  with  the 
season  set  apart  for  prayer  and  the  reading  of  the 
Scriptures.  She  always  kept  open  house  for  her 
friends,  and  especially  delighted  to  have  the  Lord's 
messengers  under  her  roof,  bringing  us  up  to  feel 


AET.  15-26.  23 

it  a  great  privilege  in  any  way  to  help  them 
forward.  I  recall,  too,  the  many  happy  First-day 
evenings,  when  we  assembled  in  the  drawing-room 
for  reading,  and  afterwards,  linked  arm-in-arm, 
would  pace  up  and  down  the  spacious  hall,  repeat- 
ing hymns  together,  whilst  our  dear  parents,  with 
the  door  open,  listened  to  us." 

It  was  to  this  period  also  that  belonged  the 
early  morning  rides  with  her  father,  to  which  she 
often  referred  in  later  years  with  so  much  pleasure, 
when,  mounted  on  her  pony  beside  him,  they  would 
spend  an  hour  before  breakfast  in  the  beautiful 
country  round  Banbury.  She  greatly  valued  the 
opportunity  thus  afforded  for  quiet  conversation 
with  him  ;  while  a  brisk  canter  through  the  green 
lanes  brought  them  both  home  with  good  appetites 
for  breakfast  and  refreshed  for  the  duties  of  the 
day.  As  she  was  not  quite  fifteen  when  she  left 
school,  her  parents  were  anxious  to  give  her  oppor- 
tunities for  continuing  her  studies  at  home,  and  we 
find  mention  made  during  the  next  few  years  of 
Drawing  and  French  Masters,  and  she  also  began 
Latin  and  Greek  with  some  help  from  her  brothers. 
But  her  absorbing  interest  was  Natural  Science, 
every  branch  of  which  had  a  great  charm  for  her, 
as  she  saw  in  the  beauties  and  wonders  of  the 
natural  world  fresh  evidences  of  the  wisdom  and 
love  of  the  Great  Creator,  and  learned  to 

"Look  through  nature  up  to  nature's  God." 
Her    parents    encouraged    her    in    these    pursuits, 


24  1838-49. 

indeed,  the  little  room  already  referred  to  was  built 
mainly  as  a  place  in  which  she  and  her  brothers 
and  sisters  might  work  upon  and  store  their  collec- 
tions. Under  date  i$th  of  3rd  mo.,  1842,  her 
mother  writes  to  her — "  I  am  pleased  your  little 
study  is  likely  to  be  papered  and  painted  this  year. 
It  will  make  it  very  comfortable,  and  when  your 
dear  brothers  return  home  I  hope  you  will  all  enjoy 
having  a  room  of  your  own.  It  is  a  great  pleasure 
to  us  to  see  you  all  so  happy  together." — In  this 
room  were  gradually  accumulated  cabinets  and 
shelves  filled  with  collections  of  fossils,  stones,  shells, 
sea-weed,  ferns,  mosses,  flowers,  and  almost  every 
variety  of  natural  objects,  all  beautifully  arranged 
and  classified  ;  for  in  these  pursuits  a  love  of  neat- 
ness and  order  was  always  very  conspicuous,  and 
in  after  years,  when  our  mother's  share  in  these 
treasures  was  transferred  to  her  new  home,  her 
children  looked  with  wondering  admiration  on  the 
beautifully  printed  names  and  the  neat  labelling  of 
the  various  specimens  and  vainly  tried  to  imitate 
them.  This  love  of  nature  was  a  great  source  of 
enjoyment  to  her  through  life,  and  often  a  real  rest 
and  refreshment  in  the  midst  of  her  family  cares, 
or  when  engaged  in  arduous  religious  service.  Only 
two  days  before  her  death,  a  collection  of  seaweeds 
given  to  her  in  1848  by  Sarah  Bass,  and  which  she 
had  been  anxious  to  look  over  again,  was  found, 
and,  though  very  weary  with  pain,  she  sat  up  for 
half  an  hour  or  more  looking  them  over  with 
intense  enjoyment.  In  connection  with  these  pursuits 


AET.  15-26.  25 

the  brothers  and  sisters  took  many  delightful 
rambles  together  through  the  neighbouring  country 
and  were  especially  fond  of  fishing  for  fresh  water 
shells  along  the  banks  of  the  canal. 

Martha  Gillett  was  very  careful  that  all  her 
daughters  should  be  well  trained  in  domestic 
duties,  and  our  mother  has  often  told  us  of  the 
happy  hours  spent  with  her  sisters  at  the  ironing 
board  in  the  large  beautifully  fitted  up  laundry, 
with  its  many  vine  covered  windows.  They  were 
also  taught,  either  by  their  mother  or  by  her  faith- 
ful cook,  Jane  Miles,  who  lived  for  very  many  years 
in  the  family,  how  to  cook  plain  food,  also  the  best 
way  of  preparing  appetizing  dishes  for  invalids. 
Several  hours  each  morning  were  usually  given  to 
sewing,  each  article  being  neatly  and  elaborately 

finished  with  that  beautiful  hand  work  which  the 
machines  of  the  present  day  have  unfortunately 
almost  banished  from  our  homes.  During  these 
sewing  hours  they  took  turns  to  read  aloud,  and  in 
this  way  added  very  materially  to  their  store  of 
general  information,  the  books  chosen  being  mostly 
history,  science,  biography,  and  poetry. 

From  the  time  she  left  school  Martha  Gillett, 
jun.,  was  accustomed  frequently  to  accompany  her 
mother  in  visits  among  the  sick  and  suffering 
around  them,  and  felt  it  a  " great  delight"  when 
allowed  to  be  the  bearer  of  some  nicely  prepared 
delicacy,  usually  made  by  her  own  or  her  mother's 
hand.  Her  journal  makes  frequent  mention  during 
these  years  of  a  morning  or  an  afternoon  spent  in 


26 


1838-49. 


visiting  the  poor,  and  their  welfare  was  always  very 
near  to  her  heart,  while  she  kept  steadily  in  view 
the  paramount  importance  of  leading  them  to  the 
saving  knowledge  of  Christ  their  Saviour.  A  lending 
library,  the  books  from  which  they  took  round 
themselves,  the  distribution  of  tracts  and  the  straw 
plait  school  were  some  of  the  plans  for  the  help 
and  comfort  of  their  poorer  neighbours  in  which 
she  and  her  sister  Hannah  Mary  were  interested. 
She  also  obtained  a  number  of  useful  articles  for 
lending  to  invalids  and  in  cases  of  accidents,  some 
of  which  are  still  in  use  at  Banbury. 

When  the  Friends'  School  was  opened  at  Sib- 
ford,  near  Banbury,  in  1842,  she  took  a  very  great 
interest  in  it,  and  for  some  weeks  was  there  to 
superintend  the  furnishing  and  assist  in  getting  the 
house  ready  for  the  children. 

But,  whatever  outside  objects  shared  her  atten- 
tion, home  claims  had  always  the  first  place,  and 
it  is  very  beautiful  to  note  from  the  brief  references 
in  her  journals,  and  also  from  her  mother's  letters 
to  her,  written  during  this  period,  how  fully  she 
entered  into  all  her  father's  and  mother's  interests  ; 
while  her  loving  care  over  her  brothers  and  sisters, 
and  especially  her  concern  for  their  spiritual  wel- 
fare, was  more  like  that  of  a  mother  than  of  an 
elder  sister. 

When  only  fourteen  years  of  age  she  wrote  for 
their  use  a  little  pamphlet  entitled  "An  affectionate 
address  to  those  in  early  life  who  are  desirous  of 
becoming  true  and  sincere  followers  of  their  blessed 


AET.  15-26.  27 

Saviour."  This  has  been  preserved  in  the  original 
pencil  manuscript,  and  is  remarkable,  when  we 
consider  the  age  of  the  writer,  for  its  clear  and 
simple  exposition  of  the  gospel  plan  of  salvation, 
accompanied  by  earnest  exhortations  to  attend  to 
the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  not  to  allow 
the  Saviour's  offers  of  love  and  mercy  to  pass 
unheeded. 

She  frequently  mentions  having  felt  it  her  duty, 
often  in  much  fear,  to  go  and  see  one  or 
another  of  her  brothers  and  sisters  after  they  were 
put  to  rest  for  the  night,  and  speak  a  few  words 
of  loving  reproof  or  encouragement,  or  sometimes 
to  kneel  by  their  bedsides  and  offer  prayer  on 
their  behalf,  and  often  thankfully  records  that  "the 
dear  little  ones  were  much  tendered,"  or  that  "we 
had  a  precious  season  together,  the  wing  of 
heavenly  goodness  seemed  to  overshadow  us,  and 
we  were  favoured  to  feel  Him  near  who  will  not 
forsake  His  poor  dependent  children."  Their 
going  to  school  was  always  a  time  of  deep 
spiritual  exercise  on  their  behalf,  and  she  followed 
them  with  her  prayers  and  frequently  sent  them 
little  written  messages  expressing  her  desires  on 
their  behalf.  Their  birthdays  also  were  never 
forgotten,  and  as  each  anniversary  came  round  we 
find  in  her  journal  some  such  entry  as  the 
following  : — 

"  Dear  is  to-day  14.     I  hope  and  believe  his 

heart  is  turned  to  seek  the  Lord.  Oh,  may  nothing  be 
suffered  to  mar  the  work  of  divine  grace  in  his  soul." 


28 


1838-49. 


"  Precious     little     's     birthday — dear    child — 

often  does  the  secret  aspiration  of  my  heart  ascend  for 
her  preservation,  and  that  the  Shepherd  of  Israel  may 
keep  her  amongst  the  lambs  of  His  fold." 

As  further  illustrating  the  influence  for  good 
which  she  exerted  over  them  the  following  may  be 
of  interest,  written  to  her  sister  Elizabeth  on  her 
ninth  birthday  : — 

"  Banbury,  gth  mo.  nth,  1844. 
"My  dear  Elizabeth, 

''As  to-day  is  thy  birthday  I  thought  thou  would  be 
pleased  to  receive  a  little  note  from  me. 

"  The  little  book  which  accompanies  this  is  from  dear 
Hannah  Mary  and  myself;  we  hope  it  will  be  one  that 
thou  wilt  like,  and  that  thou  wilt  be  able  to  learn  many 
of  the  pretty  verses  it  contains.  I  hope  thy  birthday  will 
be  a  happy  one,  and  I  think  it  will  be,  because  I 
believe  thou  art  trying  to  be  a  good  child;  and  good 
children  are  not  only  happy  themselves,  but  they 
contribute  very  much  to  the  happiness  of  those  around 
them.  It  is  a  great  comfort  to  us  to  believe  that  thou 
art  endeavouring  to  do  that  which  thou  knows  to  be 
pleasing  in  the  sight  of  thy  Heavenly  Father.  Remember 
that  He  loves  to  have  the  dear  little  ones  for  His  own. 
The  dear  Saviour  when  He  was  upon  earth  delighted  to 
have  them  around  Him,  and  we  are  told  that  "He  took 
them  up  in  His  arms  and  blessed  them"  :  and  how  do  I 
long  for  thee,  dear  Elizabeth,  that  thou  mayst  be 
numbered  amongst  the  precious  lambs  of  His  flock,  and 
that  He  may  lead  Thee  safely  and  gently  along,  that  He 
may  keep  thee  from  all  sin,  and  out  of  every  temptation, 
and  make  thee  meet  in  the  riches  of  His  love,  when  the 
few  fleeting  years  of  life  are  ended,  to  enter  into 


AET.  15-26.  29 

everlasting  rest  and  join  with  the  innumerable  company 
of  the  redeemed  around  His  throne  in  singing  His  praise 
for  ever." 

The  following  is  taken  from  the  correspon- 
dence between  her  and  this  dear  sister  whilst  the 
latter  was  at  school  : — 

From  Elizabeth  Gillett  to  her  sister  Martha. 

"  Lewes,  24th  of  ist  mo.,  1849. 
"  My  very  dear  Sister, 

"  I  am  down  in  the  schoolroom  by  myself  and  I 
thought  it  a  nice  opportunity  of  writing  to  thee.  This 
note  is  not  to  be  full  of  news,  but  I  wanted  to  tell  thee 
the  state  of  my  mind.  When  I  first  came  back  I  felt  it 
very  much  and  thought  it  very  hard  that  I  should  have 
to  be  separated  from  you,  but  on  fifth  day,  when  I  was 
in  bed,  I  felt  that  it  was  wrong  of  me  to  murmur,  that 
it  was  for  my  good  I  was  come  here,  and  that  I 
was  surrounded  with  many  blessings.  The  Lord  also 
showed  me  what  a  wicked  child  I  had  been,  and  from 
that  time  I  have  felt  quite  different.  However,  this 
morning  when  I  woke  I  did  not  feel  any  peace ;  I  did 
not  know  what  to  do  with  myself,  I  cried  till  I  felt  quite 
poorly.  I  felt  as  though  I  was  too  wicked  to  be  forgiven, 
and  I  wanted  to  ask  thee  to  write  to  me  to  help  me  if 
thee  can,  and  tell  me  what  to  do,  for  I  feel  as  though  I 
could  not  pray,  and  I  want  thee  to  talk  to  me  and 
comfort  me.  I  also  want  thee  to  tell  me  how  to  collect 
my  thoughts,  for  in  meeting  I  never  can.  I  am  always 
thinking  of  something  else,  and  I  want  thee  to  tell  me  a 
way  of  not  letting  them  wander.  One  more  thing  I  must 
tell  thee.  I  often  think  that  I  should  be  much  better 
able  to  think  if  I  was  not  to  go  to  meeting,  but  if  I  was 


3°  1838-49- 

to  stay  at  home  by  myself;  for  when  sometimes  in  meet- 
ing" the  thought  comes  into  my  head  how  wicked  I  am,  I 
feel  inclined  to  cry,  but  am  afraid  to,  lest  anybody  should 
see  me,  and  so  I  am  afraid  almost  to  think  much  in 
case  I  should.  Do  dear  sister  write  me  as  long  a  letter 
as  thee  can  and  tell  me  all  I  have  wanted  to  know,  for 
at  school  I  have  no  one  to  talk  to,  and  I  want  thee  to 
talk  to  me  through  letters.  Farewell,  with  very  dear 
love,  from  thy  truly  affectionate  sister, 

ELIZABETH." 

In  reply  to  this  our  mother  wrote  : — 

"  Banbury,  2nd  mo.  5th,  1849. 

"  I  fear  my  dear  Elizabeth  will  have  thought  me  long 
in  writing,  but  I  have  not  been  unmindful  of  thy  sweet, 
acceptable  note,  nor  of  thy  request  to  hear  from  me.  I 
can  only  commend  thee,  my  precious  sister,  to  thy 
Heavenly  Friend — the  Lord  in  whom  thou  hast  believed, 
and  whom  thou  dost  still  desire  to  be  enabled  to 
serve — praying  that  He  will  sweeten  for  thee  all  thy 
sorrows,  and  give  thee  in  His  own  good  time  to  sing 

His    praise Endeavour    my    dear    to    stay 

thy  mind  upon  the  Lord,  and  to  trust  in  Him  and 
He  will  overcome  for  thee  all  thy  spiritual  foes, 
for  though  thou  art  weak  He  is  strong  and  mighty, 
mightier  than  all  that  are  against  thee,  and  "He  will 
not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved;  He  that  keepeth  thee 
will  not  slumber."  Carry  to  Him  all  thy  cares,  thy 
sorrows  and  thy  griefs.  He  sees  thee  altogether  as  thou 
art  and  will  not  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  thy  cry,  for  He  con- 
descended to  call  thee  even  when  thou  wast  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins,  and  He  remains  to  be  thy  Saviour, 
thy  glorious  Advocate  and  Intercessor  with  the  Father, 
making  intercession  for  thee  continually,  even  when  thou 


AET.  15-26.  .         31 

feelest  as  though  thou  couldst  not  pray  for  thyself.  .  . 
I  can  feel  for  thee,  my  dear  sister,  in  being  so  assailed 
with  wandering  thoughts  as  thou  describes  thyself  to  be 
in  meeting,  and  also  with  the  sense  of  the  wickedness 
and  depravity  of  thy  heart.  At  such  seasons  of  trial  I 
know  no  other  way  than  quietly  to  wait  for  the  ability  to 
turn  from  all,  even  from  ourselves  unto  God,  seeking  for 
fresh  supplies  of  His  Holy  Spirit  to  cleanse  our  hearts 
from  all  iniquity  and  to  enable  us  to  overcome  the 
enemy  of  our  soul's  peace  in  his  many  and  varied 
attacks.  Often  then  will  our  trembling  be  turned  into 
rejoicing  and  our  mourning  into  songs  of  joy,  and  we 
shall  be  given  to  know  that  our  Redeemer  liveth,  and 
that  because  He  liveth  we  shall  live  also.  ...  I 
often  pray  that  nothing  may  hurt  or  harm  thee,  or 
separate  thee  from  the  love  of  Christ.  .  .  ." 

This  concern  for  their  spiritual  welfare  was  no 
doubt  much  blessed  to  her  brothers  and  sisters, 
and  the  more  so  from  the  fact  that  she  was  such 
a  delightful  playfellow  and  companion  that  they 
always  loved  to  be  with  her.  She  retained 
through  life  that  power  of  making  little  children 
happy  which  comes  from  a  true  sympathy  with  the 
child  nature,  and  she  could  devise  so  many  ways 
for  passing  a  happy  afternoon  and  keeping  the 
4t  little  ones "  quiet  that  it  is  no  wonder  she  was 
often  called  upon  to  do  it ;  and  although  at  the 
time  she  would  sometimes  sigh  and  wish  she  could 
have  more  time  for  self-improvement  and  study, 
yet  in  later  years  she  looked  back  with  thankful- 
ness to  the  busy  days  of  her  girlhood  as  having 
proved  the  most  useful  training  she  could  have  had 
for  her  after  life. 


32  1838-49. 

During  these  years  there  were,  of  course,  many 
childish  ailments,  besides  some  more  serious  illnesses, 
among  so  large  a  family  of  children,  through  all 
of  which  she  shared  equally  with  her  mother  the 
care  and  anxiety  of  the  nursing,  as  well  as  the  joy 
in  the  recovery,  so  that  when  in  Qth  month,  1843, 
they  were  called  upon  to  part  with  their  sweet 
little  sister  Isabella,  who  was  only  seven  months 
old,  her  grief  at  losing  her  seemed  much  increased 
from  the  fact  that  she,  with  her  sister  Hannah 
Mary,  happened  to  be  from. home  on  a  visit  at  the 
time  of  the  illness.  She  writes,  under  date  Qth  mo. 
8th,  1843  :— 

"My  feelings  have  received  a  severe  shock  this 
morning  in  hearing  of  the  alarming  illness  of  our  precious 
baby.  I  have  been  spending  a  short  time  in  prayer  and 
silence  before  the  Lord  since  receiving  this  affecting 
intelligence,  and  am  .now  permitted  in  unutterable  love 
and  mercy  to  feel  sweetly  comforted  in  the  belief  that 
the  Lord  will  do  all  things  well.  She  has  ever  been  to 
us  a  very  sweet  treasure,  but  one  that  is  indeed  fully 
ripe  for  Heaven.  ...  It  adds  much  to  my  grief  to 
be  so  far  separated  from  this  little  darling,  and  I  also 
feel  very  anxious  about  my  dear  mother,  whose  affectionate 
solicitude  will,  I  know,  prevent  her  from  caring  for 
herself." 

Qth  mo.  nth. — "Received  from  home  this  morning  a 
much  worse  account  of  dearest  baby,  so  that  dear  H.M. 
and  myself  concluded  to  put  our  things  together  and 
return  immediately.  We  reached  home  soon  after  five  in 
the  evening,  but  found  that  the  pure  spirit  of  our  sweet 
treasure  had  been  safely  released  from  its  suffering  little 


AET.  15-26.  33 

tenement  about  twenty-four  hours  before  our  arrival.  It 
is  an  inexpressible  trial  to  us  to  part  with  this  little  dear 
one  so  soon,  but  I  do  trust  that  it  will  be  sweetly  sanctified 
to  us  from  above.  We  have  been  to  gaze  upon  dear 
baby's  lovely  countenance,  so  beautiful  in  death  ;  it  really 
seems  as  though  I  could  scarcely  realize  that  she  is 
gone.  We  left  her  so  lovely  and  blooming,  and  in 
perfect  health,  and  little  thought  when  we  parted  from 
her  that  our  next  meeting  would  be  round  the  throne  in 
glory/' 

i3th. — "  I  have  been  spending  the  last  half  hour 
beside  all  that  now  remains  of  our  sweet  little  treasure, 
and  have  now  parted  from  her  lovely  little  form  for  ever. 
It  has  been  to  me  a  sweet  half  hour — one  that  will  very 
long  be  remembered.  I  have  been  permitted  so  beauti- 
fully to  realize  the  eternal  blessedness  of  her  sainted 
spirit,  so  that  it  has  seemed  as  if  my  own  weary  soul 
were  mingling  with  hers  around  the  throne  in  ceaseless 
hallelujahs  of  glory  and  of  praise." 

i;th,  First-day. — "Precious  baby's  remains  were  this 
morning  consigned  to  their  last  silent  resting-place  on 
earth.  We  were  all  favoured  during  this  time  of  close 
trial  to  enjoy  a  sweet  state  of  heavenly  calmness  and 
peace,  and  the  meeting  afterwards  was  a  very  solemn 
and  favoured  time ;  to  myself  it  proved  a  truly  precious 
season,  one  in  which  my  poor  faint,  weary  soul  seemed 
taken,  as  it  were,  into  the  Lord's  banqueting  house  and 
suffered  to  feast  in  His  blessed  presence." 

The  remembrance  of  this  little  sister  was  a 
very  tender  one  with  our  mother  all  her  life,  and 
she  often  spoke  of  her  to  us  and  loved  to  linger 


34  1838-49. 

over  the  memory  of  her  lovely  smile  and  the  sweet 
peacefulness  of  the  little  form  as  it  lay  in  death. 

Nearly  seven  years  later  the  family  circle  was 
again  broken  by  the  death,  after  a  lingering  illness, 
of  her  dearly  loved  brother  Joseph,  then  in  his 
twenty-second  year,  but  of  this  we  will  speak 
more  fully  in  a  later  chapter.  During  his  illness 
they  had  also  the  sorrow  of  the  death  of  their 
beloved  grandfather,  William  Gillett,  of  Brailes. 
He  had  been  a  widower  for  many  years,  and 
used  often  to  come  over  and  see  his  children, 
and  a  visit  to  him  was  always  a  great  treat  to  his 
grandchildren.  In  reference  to  this  event  we  find 
the  following  entry  : — 

gth  mo.  nth,  1849,  Third-day. — "About  12  o'clock 
last  night  we  were  awakened  by  a  messenger  at  the  door 
to  inform  us  that  my  beloved  grandfather  was  taken 
alarmingly  ill,  and  that  they  feared  we  could  hardly  reach 
Brailes  in  time  to  see  him  living.  My  dear  mother  felt 
too  fatigued  with  her  long  journey  to  attempt  to  go 
down.  She  had  only  returned  the  previous  evening  from 
a  month's  stay  at  Ben  Rhydding,  in  Yorkshire,  with  her 
son  Joseph  (the  air  of  that  place  having  been  recom- 
mended for  him),  so  that  I  dressed  and  accompanied  my 
dear  father  and  my  uncle  Jonathan  in  a  fly,  and  we 
arrived  there  about  half-past  one,  but  were  too  late  to 
witness  the  peaceful  close.  My  precious  grandfather  had 
retired  to  bed  about  nine  o'clock  last  evening  apparently 
in  usual  health,  having  been  remarkably  cheerful  for 
several  days  previously,  and  out  at  meeting  on  first-day 
morning,  though  he  several  times  remarked  that  he 
believed  he  had  but  a  very  little  time  to  remain  here, 


AET.  15-26.  35 

and  seemed  himself  quite  apprehensive  that  a  sudden 
removal  would  be  his  portion :  indeed  it  had  been  his 
often  expressed  desire  that,  if  consistent  with  the  Divine 
will,  he  might  be  spared  a  lingering  illness,  and  this 
desire  was  mercifully  granted.  He  was  seized  about  10 
o'clock  with  pain  in  the  chest,  and  before  medical 
assistance  could  be  procured  the  purified  spirit  had 
gently  quitted  the  earthly  tenement  without  a  struggle. 
My  uncle,  John  Gillett,  was  the  only  member  of  the 
family  present  at  the  close,  as  my  dear  grandfather 
scarcely  survived  the  seizure  half  an  hour.  The  immediate 
cause  of  death  was  considered  to  be  disease  of  the  heart, 
Through  the  course  of  a  long  life  he  had  been  a 
preacher  of  righteousness  in  life  and  conversation, 
adorning  the  doctrine  of  Christ  his  Saviour  in  all  things. 
He  loved  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  mourned  over 
those  who  departed  in  any  degree  from  its  purity  and 
simplicity.  The  evening  of  his  day  was  marked  by 
serenity  and  cheerfulness,  and  his  sun  did  indeed  seem 
to  go  down  in  brightness." 

About  two  weeks  later  we  find  the  following 
entry  : — 

gth  mo.  30th. — "At  Brailes  with  my  dear  mother  and 
dear  Joseph  in  the  house  lately  occupied  by  my  beloved 
grandfather.  I  came  down  on  sixth-day,  and  have  been 
greatly  enjoying  the  quietness  of  this  sweet,  retired  spot. 
This  afternoon  (first-day)  I  am  spending  partly  alone 
in  the  little  study.  How  much  every  place  seems  to 
bring  my  dear  grandfather  to  remembrance ;  on  the  table 
beside  me  is  lying  a  folio  volume  of  George  Fox's  Journal 
as  he  left  it,  opened  at  page  511.  My  dear  grandfather 
was  diligent  in  attending  the  little  Meeting  here  to  the 
end  of  his  life,  and  walked  to  it,  three-quarters  of  a  mile, 


3  1849. 

only  the  day  before  his  death.  It  was  his  great  delight 
to  wait  upon  God  in  silence,  and  I  believe  that  his 
purified  spirit  is  now  gathered  through  redeeming  love  to 
sing  the  song  of  everlasting  praise." 


AET.  17-22.  37 


CHAPTER   IV. 

Adoption  of  the  "Plain  Dress'' — Attendance  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting — Acknowledgement  as  a  Minister — 
Spiritual  help  received  from  Arnee  Frank — Extracts 
from  his  Letters — Letters  from  her  Mother. 


THOSE  who  knew  our  mother  when  still  quite 
young  speak  of  her  as  having  been  a  very 
sweet  girl  whose  youthful  face  looked  lovely 
in  its  plain,  close  fitting  Friends'  cap.  This  dress 
she  assumed  when  about  seventeen  years  of  age, 
in  accordance  with  the  custom  of  many  members 
of  the  Society  at  that  time,  as  the  outward  sign  of 
her  willingness  to  give  up  the  things  of  the  world 
and  take  up  her  daily  cross  as  became  a  disciple 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  it  was,  we  believe, 
in  this  spirit  that  she  wore  it  to  the  close  of  her 
life.  Under  date  6th  mo.  i2th,  1840,  she  writes  : — 

"My  mind  has  been  turned  in  serious  thought  upon 
the  subject  of  plainness  of  dress.  I  do  believe  it  to  be 
as  a  hedge  and  a  guard  around  us,  shielding  us  from 
many  evils  and  many  sins,  in  which,  were  we  to  follow 
the  fashions  of  the  world,  we  should  be  looked  upon  by 
that  world  to  take  part.  Oh  may  my  heart  be  more 
and  more  weaned  from  every  earthly  thing,  and  may  my 
adorning  be  that  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit." 


3°  1840-45. 

During  these  years  she  two  or  three  times,  with 
her  parents  and  sister  Hannah  Mary,  went  up  to 
London  to  attend  the  sittings  of  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing. They  seem  usually  to  have  travelled  in  her 
father's  carriage,  leaving  early  in  the  morning  and 
reaching  their  destination  about  seven  in  the 
evening.  On  one  occasion  mention  is  made  of 
their  starting  on  a  seventh-day,  spending  first-day 
at  Leighton  Buzzard,  proceeding  to  London  early 
on  second-day,  so  as  to  be  there  in  time  for  the 
meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  which  met  at 
eleven  o'clock.  These  meetings  were  seasons  of 
much  spiritual  refreshment,  and  it  is  interesting  to 
find  in  her  journal  notices  of  words  of  loving 
help  and  encouragement  which  several  dear  friends 
of  a  generation  now  passed  away  felt  called  upon 
to  hand  to  the  timid  young  friend  who  was  then 
just  entering  upon  her  public  ministry.  The  names 
of  Elizabeth  Fry,  Lindley  Murray  Hoag,  Elizabeth 
Dudley,  Benjamin  Bishop,  Benjamin  Seebohm, 
and  Edwin  O.  Tregelles,  are  amongst  those  of 
whom  mention  is  made  in  this  connection.  At  the 
close  of  one  of  these  meetings  our  mother  writes  : — 
"  I  think  I  seldom  recollect  a  season  when  my 
soul  was  permitted  to  hold  more  sweet  communion 
with  its  God.  The  fullness  and  freeness  of  His 
everlasting  love  bowed  my  heart  before  Him  in 
songs  of  gratitude  and  praise.  How  wonderful 
that  such  a  poor,  frail  creature  should  be  the 
object  of  such  unutterable  tenderness  and  love." 


AET.  17-22.  39 

In  her  journal  for  1848  we  find  the  following 
brief  review  of  her  religious  experiences  during 
these  years  : — 

3rd  mo.  iQth,  First-day. — "Often  is  my  spirit  over- 
whelmed within  me  in  contemplating  the  work  whereunto 
my  Heavenly  Father  in  the  riches  of  His  love  has  seen 
meet  to  call  me — even  to  bear  testimony  to  the  truth  as 
it  is  in  Jesus — and  the  language  often  arises,  'Who 
is  sufficient  for  these  things  ? '  Surely  not  I,  but  my 
mighty,  everlasting  Helper.  My  heart  overflows  with 
gratitude  when  I  contemplate  His  marvellous  dealings 
with  my  often  backsliding  soul;  how  He  hath  led  about 
and  instructed  me  and  strengthened  me  in  some  feeble 
measure  to  follow  in  the  way  of  His  requiring,  making 
my  heart  willing  in  the  day  of  His  mighty  power." 

Her  journal  shows  that  from  the  time  she  was 
about  twelve  years  old  she  felt  that  the  Lord  was 
calling  her  to  His  service.  During  her  school  life 
she  would  often  go  away  by  herself  to  pray,  and 
covenant  with  the  Lord  that  she  would  serve  Him 
all  her  life  if  He  would  only  condescend  to  be 
with  her  and  grant  His  blessing.  She  realized 
her  own  sinfulness  and  weakness,  and  was  early 
made  to  feel  that  Christ  came  not  to  save  His 
people  in  their  sins  but  from  their  sins.  She 
speaks  of  times  of  great  joy  in  the  overflowing 
sense  of  her  Saviour's  love  ;  but  this  joy  was  by 
no  means  continuous,  for  at  other  times  all  seemed 
dark,  and  she  was  tossed  with  doubt  and  assailed 
with  temptations. 


4°  1840-45- 

The  following  was  written  with  reference  to 
these  times  of  joy  : — 

"  May  my  soul  never  forget  those  heavenly  seasons, 
nor  the  love  of  my  early  espousals ;  how  all  seemed  in 
comparison  little  to  part  with  that  I  might  win  Christ 
and  find  in  Him  eternal,  everlasting  gain ;  and  great  was 
the  exercise  of  my  soul  for  all  round  me  that  they  might 
come  to  witness  the  like  blessed  experience." 

As  she  grew  older  she  felt  that,  if  faithful,  she 
would  be  called  to  speak  in  the  ministry,  but 
says,  "  as  often  as  this  Divine  requiring  was  pre- 
sented so  often  did  I  shrink  back  from  it  as  a 
thing  impossible,  or  almost  impossible  to  be  brought 
to  pass  concerning  me  ;  yet  in  the  midst  of  all 
I  was  comforted  in  the  assurance  that  all  things 
were  possible  with  the  Lord."  And  again,  "  I  do 
not  remember  that  I  was  wilfully  disobedient  to 
the  Divine  call.  He  who  knew  my  frame  al- 
together, was  willing  that  I  should  try  the  fleece 
both  wet  and  dry,  and  be  fully  satisfied  that  it 
was  indeed  His  voice  which  I  heard. 

"  Whilst  I  was  in  this  state  of  mind,  some  few  days 
before  I  completed  my  twentieth  year,  our  dear 
and  highly  esteemed  friend,  Benjamin  Seebohm, 
came  into  these  parts  on  gospel  service,  and  took 
up  his  abode  at  our  house.  On  the  seventh  day 
on  which  he  left  us  my  mind  was  much  impressed 
from  the  time  of  rising  in  the  morning  with  a 
belief  that  I  must  not,  if  obedient  to  the  Heavenly 
call,  any  longer  refuse  to  serve  in  the  Lamb's 


AET.  17-22.  41 

army,  and  that  this  would  be  plainly  declared  to 
me  by  this  servant  of  the  Lord  before  he  left 
us.  This  impression  was  so  much  upon  my  spirit 
that  I  scarcely  felt  able  to  perform  my  domestic 
duties,  and  many  times  during  the  morning  was 
so  overcome  as  to  be  constrained  to  go  alone  and 
give  vent  to  my  tears. 

"  Before  leaving,  Benjamin  Seebohm  called  me 
to  come  and  sit  beside  him,  and,  after  a  solemn 
pause,  commenced  addressing  me  with  the  words 
of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  '  Ye  have  not  chosen 
Me,  but  I  have  chosen  you,  and  ordained  you 
that  ye  should  go  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  that 
your  fruit  should  remain.'  This  passage  he  re- 
peated several  times  in  the  course  of  his  testimony, 
saying  that  he  believed  the  calves  of  the  lips  were 
now  required  to  be  brought  into  the  Lord's  ser- 
vice, and  fully  setting  forth  in  a  clear  and  powerful 
manner  the  various  conflicts  and  exercises  through 
which  my  soul  had  been  for  years  passing  as  though 
he  had  been  informed  of  all  that  had  been  passing 
within  my  heart,  which  he  most  surely  was  by 
immediate  revelation  from  Heaven.  Comfort  and 
encouragement  were  also  administered,  and  the 
promise  of  the  blessing,  if  faithful,  but  my  soul 
was  so  absorbed  and  overcome  with  the  first  part 
of  the  communication  that  the  rest  passed  almost 
wholly  away  from  my  mind,  leaving  only  a  sense 
of  inexpressible  sweetness  whenever  I  look  back 
to  that  favoured  time.  I  retired  to  my  chamber 
afterwards,  and  remained  there  pretty  much  through 


42  1840-45. 

the  day,  pouring  out  my  soul  before  the  Lord  in 
groans,  and  tears,  and  cries  for  preservation  and 
help.  Still  I  told  none  of  my  distressed  condition, 
nor  of  the  deep  exercise  my  soul  was  passing 
through.  At  night  I  got  but  little  sleep,  and  by 
day  I  felt  constrained  to  go  alone  and  keep  silence. 
If  I  refused  to  yield  obedience  to  this  Heavenly 
call,  I  knew  not  what  would  become  of  me  ;  yet 
at  times  I  almost  desired  that  my  life  might  be 
accepted  rather  than  such  a  sacrifice  required, 
and  wonderful  to  me  is  the  remembrance  of  that 
infinite  mercy  which  condescended  to  bear  with, 
pity,  and  help  me  through  those  seasons  of  weak- 
ness and  tossing.  I  was  not  left  to  myself,  but, 
by  the  Lord's  mighty  and  powerful  arm  was  led 
forwards  and  marvellously  dealt  with,  till  I  was 
scarcely  sensible  of  any  will  remaining  in  me  op- 
posed to  the  perfect  and  blessed  will  of  my 
Heavenly  Father  ;  for  His  will  seemed  truly  mine, 
and  to  do  it  my  greatest  delight. 

"It  was  thus  that  on  the  following  fourth- day 
morning,  in  our  week-day  meeting,  my  mouth  was 
opened  with  that  passage  of  Scripture,  '  He  shall 
dwell  on  high,  his  place  of  defence  shall  be  the 
munitions  of  rocks,  bread  shall  be  given  him, 
his  waters  shall  be  sure.'  Very  little  was  added, 
but  never  shall  I  forget  while  memory  lasts  the 
holy,  Heavenly  peace  and  quietness  that  attended 
on  sitting  down.  All  fear  of  what  others  might 
say  or  think  of  me  seemed  removed,  and  my  soul 
rejoiced  in  the  Lord  and  in  His  glorious  work. 


AET.  17-22.  43 

All  within  me  seemed  changed — the  spirit  of 
heaviness  taken  away,  and  the  garment  of  praise 
given.  Even  the  outward  creation  seemed  as  if 
clothed  in  new  beauties  and  to  speak  forth  afresh 
its  great  Creator's  power  and  lave,  and  well  could 
my  spirit  adopt  the  expressive  language  of  the 
Psalmist,  when  he  said,  *  What  ailed  thee,  O  thou 
sea,  that  thou  fleddest,  thou  Jordan  that  thou 
wast  driven  back,  ye  mountains  that  ye  skipped 
like  rams,  and  ye  little  hills  like  lambs  ? '  for  I 
felt  that  my  Almighty  Helper  had  indeed  done 
great  things  for  me,  and  that  He  was  all-sufficient 
to  perfect  that  which  concerned  me  and  to 
support  me  in  life  and  in  death.  It  is  now  rather 
more  than  five  years  since  this  solemn  day  of 
dedication  unto  the  Lord,  and  I  still  find  myself 
constrained  to  go  on  in  this  work.  Many  have 
been  the  deliverances  and  mercies  experienced ; 
many,  very  many,  and  varied  my  conflicts,  both 
of  flesh  and  spirit,  yet  my  soul  cannot  express 
how  bountifully  the  Lord  hath  dealt  with  me, 
though  I  have  been  indeed  as  a  rebellious  and 
ungrateful  child.  Oh,  truly  He  is  no  hard  Master, 
as  some  might  be  ready  to  conclude.  To  me 
His  yoke  has  been  and  remains  to  be  easy  and 
His  burden  light.  Oh,  that  I  may  be  strengthened 
to  love  Him  more  and  to  serve  Him  better  than 
I  have  hitherto  done,  even  through  all  the  days 
of  my  appointed  time  here  upon  earth,  and  may 
I  at  last  be  safely  gathered,  through  unmerited 
mercy,  into  that  glorious  Kingdom  of  rest  where 


44  184045- 

there  is  no  more  sin,  no  more  fear  of  falling, 
but  union  and  communion  with  the  Lord  our 
God  and  with  the  Lamb  for  ever,  to  whom  be 
ascribed  *  blessing,  and  glory,  and  wisdom,  and 
thanksgiving,  and  honour,  and  power,  and  might, 
world  without  end — Amen.'  " 

From  this  time  forward  we  find  frequent 
mention  of  her  being  called  upon  publicly  to 
proclaim  to  others  the  Gospel  message,  and  though 
often  in  much  fear  and  the  sense  of  her  own 
weakness  and  unworthiness,  she  was  strengthened 
to  be  faithful ;  and,  seeking  to  keep  close  to  her 
Guide,  and  to  abide  under  the  baptisms  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  her  words  reached  the  witness  in  the 
hearts  of  the  hearers,  and  two  years  later  (5th 
mo.  7th,  1845)  the  Friends  of  Banbury  Monthly 
Meeting  felt  it  right  to  acknowledge  the  gift 
which  they  believed  had  been  entrusted  to  her, 
by  recording  her  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel. 
Their  unity  and  sympathy  were  very  precious  and 
encouraging  to  her,  while  she  felt  deeply  the  added 
responsibilities  of  her  new  position.  Her  ministry 
was  especially  marked  by  humility  and  simplicity 
and  the  earnest  desire  to  invite  others  to  taste 
with  her  the  preciousness  of  her  Saviour's  love. 

Another  Friend  whose  ministry  was  very  helpful 
to  her  was  Arnee  Frank,  of  Bristol,  then  nearly  78 
years  of  age.  When  at  Clevedon,  in  1894,  our 
mother  met  with  his  son,  and  their  pleasant  inter- 
course seemed  to  bring  his  father  very  freshly  to 
her  mind,  and  she  told  us  that  she  believed  she  had 


AET.  17-22.  45 

confided  more  of  her  difficulties  and  experiences 
to  Arnee  Frank  than  to  any  one  else,  in  con- 
nection with  the  call  she  felt  to  the  ministry, 
and  that  his  fatherly  counsel  and  sympathy  had 
been  il  such  a  very  great  help "  to  her.  He 
seems  to  have  paid  a  religious  visit  to  Banbury 
about  the  year  1842-3,  when  he  stayed  at  her 
father's  house,  and  it  was  then  that  she  first 
became  acquainted  with  him,  and  from  this  time 
until  his  death  he  continued  to  correspond  with 
her.  Several  of  his  letters  have  been  preserved, 
and  seem  to  bring  before  us  the  picture  of  a 
bright,  cheery  old  man,  with  a  heart  full  of  love 
for  his  younger  friends,  and  able  to  enter  into 
their  difficulties  and  to  give  them  wise  and  tender 
counsel.  We  subjoin  a  few  extracts  : — 

"To  Martha  and  Hannah  Mary  Gillett. 

"Bristol,   nth  mo.  3Oth,   1843. 
"  My  dear  young  friends, 

"  .  .  .  You  have  been  (not  unfrequently)  the  com- 
panions of  my  thoughts  since  for  the  first  time  I  was  at 
Banbury,  and  probably  the  last  also,  sincerely  desiring 
the  Shepherd  of  the  flock  may  be  pleased  to  keep  you 
from  all  harm,  safe  under  His  protecting  care. 

"  To  write,  so  as  more  effectually  to  relieve  me  from 
late  and  present  impression  of  a  little  duty,  I  would 
address  you  separately  as  well  as  jointly.  For  the  sister 
of  whom  I  was  informed  she  had  given  up  to  the  appre- 
hended duty  of  opening  her  mouth  in  religious  assemblies, 
I  was  introduced  into  much  of  what  I  am  almost  ready  to 
denominate  fatherly  feeling,  that  is,  in  the  highest  sense, 


4  1840-45- 

and  into  much  desire  that  in  all  the  exercises,  conflicts, 
provings,  more  or  less,  I  apprehend,  always  attendant  on 
such  engagements,  she  may  be  borne  up  and  carried 
through  them  both  safely  and  beneficially;  for  these, 
when  rightly  endured,  are  found  by  every  true  disciple  of 
the  great  Master,  like  winter's  winds  with  plants  and 
trees,  to  root  them  the  more  firmly  and  make  them 
flourish  the  more.  And  with  reference  to  thy  progress 
in  the  path  of  duty  entered  upon,  and  any  growth  in  the 
gift  received,  this  I  trust  thou  art  well  alive  to,  viz., 
that  the  import  of  David's  petition  and  the  effect  of  its 
being  granted  is  what  should  ever  be  our  attendant.  '  O 
Lord,  open  Thou  my  lips  and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth 
Thy  praise.'  He  was  sensible  of  the  need  of  his  lips 
being  thus  divinely  touched  and  opened  before  he  could 
rightly  shew  forth  the  Lord's  praise.  How  consonant 
with  gospel  faith  and  the  views  of  our  Society  as  relates 
to  ministry  and  vocal  prayer.  May  the  '  live  coal ' 
ever  touch  them  when  we  move  in  the  sacred  cause. 
I  am  fully  persuaded  that  these  are  the  heartfelt 
desires  of  the  dear  friend  to  whom  I  am  writing,  and 
mine  on  her  part  are  that  she  may  be  so  favoured. 
Encouragement  flows  freely  towards  her  to  pursue  the 
road  of  faithfulness  to  all  manifested  duty  and  sincere 
desires  for  her  preservation  from  the  varied  snares  a 
deceitful  enemy  lays  in  our  way.  Remember,  my  dear 
friend,  the  sometimes  declared  truth,  and  always  found 
to  be  the  truth,  that  'faithfulness  is  the  road  to  fruit- 
fulness'  May  clear  openings  of  duty  be  granted — to 
move  when  this  is  the  case  is  safe  ground  to  move  upon 
— to  stand  still  when  a  cloud  rests  upon  the  tabernacle 
is  safe  ground  also.  As  thou  art  thus  engaged  I  trust 
divine  wisdom  will  be  near  to  direct  and  safely  lead 
along. 


AET.  17-22.  47 

"I  could  fain  write  much,  on  various  exercising 
parts  of  the  common  experience  of  those  who  (like 
ourselves)  are  at  times  engaged  to  labour  in  this  way, 
but  at  present  think  a  few  general  observations  as 
above  may  be  all  that  is  required  and  that  it  may  be 
more  my  duty  to  commend  and  leave  to  Him  who  is  the 
Alpha  of  every  good  work,  to  carry  it  on  as  it  may 
please  Him,  so  that  He  may  be  the  Omega  likewise — 
the  beginning  and  the  ending.  May  He  graciously 
cause  His  work  to  prosper." 

He  concludes  one  of  his  letters  with  the 
following  practical  and  playfully  worded  suggestions 
for  her  future  correspondence  : — 

"  P.S. — Before  I  seal  my  letter  I  have  three  things 
to  request  of  thee,  in  case  thou  should  feel  inclined  of 
thy  own  choice  and  not  from  an  idea  of  my  requiring 
it  (for  a  constrained  correspondence  is  irksome  indeed), 
to  favour  me  at  any  future  time  with  another  affectionate 
and  welcome  remembrance. 

"First. — To  write  it  with  the  blackest  ink  thou  canst 
get. 

"  Second. — Not  in  so  small  a  handwriting  as  most  (not 
all)  of  thy  last  was  written  in. 

"  Third. — Not  cross  thy  lines.  A  man  far  gone  in 
the  stage  of  life,  mentioned  in  Psalm  xc.  (ascribed  to 
Moses)  that  of  labour  and  sorrow,  needs  much  indulgence. 
As  thy  dear  father  has  plenty  of  paper  if  thy  own  stock 
is  short,  I  am  bold  to  allude  to  it.  I  have  a  daughter 
at  Croydon,  who  was  once  very  much  in  the  same  practice 
of  crossing,  but  I  have  cured  her  of  it.  See  thy  aged 
friend's  boldness  and  freedom ;  yet  induced  to  use  it 
by  the  love  of  his  own  dear  self." 


4°  1840-45- 

The  last  of  these  letters  which  we  will  quote 
is  dated  Bristol,  6th  mo.  2gth,  1846,  and  contains 
the  following  : — 

"  My  dear  friend.  The  object  I  first  had  in  view 
in  addressing  thee  in  this  way  was  to  relieve  my  .own 
mind  on  the  one  hand,  and  with  a  special  view  to 
holding  out  a  hand  of  encouragement  to  thee  to  persevere 
in  the  path  of  duty  into  which  thou  hadst  entered, 
believing  from  the  impression  on  my  mind  of  thy  then 
state,  it  was  called  for  at  my  hands.  From  thy  succeed- 
ing communications  to  me  I  pleasantly  entertain  the 
idea  that  this  object  has  been  in  some  small  measure 
attained,  and  most  sincerely  do  I  desire  its  continuance. 
Go  on  and  prosper,  is  the  rising  language  of  my 
heart,  holy  help  enabling  thee  to  press  through  all 
opposing  things.  I  apply  it  both  to  thy  own  individual 
spiritual  prosperity,  and  to  any  labour  as  regards  others 
in  which  thou  mayst  be  from  time  to  time  engaged. 
In  the  present  day,  information  of  our  friends,  their 
movements,  &c.,  &c.,  is  speedily  conveyed  and  not 
easily  kept  private.  Thou  canst  but  suppose  that  it 
afforded  me  much  pleasure  to  hear  of  thy  being  engaged 
in  religious  service  with  our  friend  Phoebe  Atkins, 
visiting  the  families  of  your  Monthly  Meeting.  I  say 
it  was  very  acceptable  tidings,  and  very  much  so  would 
it  be  to  me  to  find  you  had  performed  it,  and  reached 
your  own  dwellings,  enriched  with  many  sheaves, 
experiencing  the  truth  that  he  that  watereth  others  is, 
or  shall  .be,  watered  himself. 

"  Having  proceeded  with  soiling  the  sheet  of  paper 
thus  far,  I  may  as  well  go  further,  and  first  look  at  thy 
last  very  acceptable  lines  and  see  what  parts  of  them  should 
be  noticed  or  replied  to.  Thou  describes  thy  then  state 


AET.  17-22.  49 

of  mind  as  one  of  '  much  poverty  and  blindness.'  As 
to  the  first  it  is  well  at  such  seasons  to  recur  to  our 
dear  Lord's  benediction,  '  Blessed  are  the  poor  in 
spirit,  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven,'  and  as  to 
the  last,  to  recollect  the  prophet's  query  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  'Who  is  blind,  but  my  servant?'  etc.,  and 
again,  '  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they 
know  not,  I  will  lead  them  in  paths  that  they  have 
not  known ;  I  will  make  darkness  light  before  them, 
and  crooked  things  straight.  These  things  will  I  do 
unto  them  and  not  forsake  them.'  Ah,  my  dear  friend, 
how  many  since  that  day  have  realized  the  whole  in 
their  own  experience. 

"Notwithstanding  all  the  foregoing,  I  seem  indis- 
posed for  finishing  without  some  little  allusion  to  a  few 
among  the  various  exercises  that  have  been  my  atten- 
dants since  my  friends  thought  it  right  to  place  me 
among  them  in  the  character  wherein  they  have  placed 
thee.  Perhaps  thou  may  be  able  to  read  and  under- 
stand me  in  this  the  day  of  thy  much  shorter  standing 
in  that  capacity  by  what  thou  hast  already  known 
something  of.  It  is  no  uncommon  thing  for  those  who 
are  travelling  on  the  same  road  and  in  the  same 
direction  to  ask  each  other  of  what  they  have  met 
with  in  it.  One  circumstance  has  not  very  unfrequently 
occurred  with  me,  viz.,  that  in  meetings,  there  has  been 
before  me  that  respecting  which  I  have  not  had  that 
clear  apprehension  of  duty  for  its  utterance,  or  in 
other  words  not  that  full  impression  of  necessity  for  it 
as  desirable,  and  thus  it  may  have  remained  with  me 
until  the  time  of  meeting  has  been  much  gone.  How 
then  have  I  acted  ?  Driven  to  look  to  the  separating 
and  endeavouring  to  feel  how  it  would  be,  whether  the 
mind  felt  easy  in  keeping  it  to  itself,  or  uncomfortable 


5°  1840-45. 

in  the  prospect  of  separating-  without  uttering  it,  has 
generally  been  decisive  either  on  the  one  hand  or  the 
other,  and  to  this  day  (covered  as  I  am  with  hairs, 
grey,  if  any)  there  are  sometimes  dilemmas  attending  me 
which  I  cannot  get  comfortably  out  of  any  other  way. 

"Another  point  I  have  found  not  always  the  easiest 
to  determine,  viz.,  when  to  rise,  and  when  to  sit 
down — at  very  different  parts  of  a  meeting — but  of  this 
I  am  fully  convinced,  that  on  all  occasions  it  is  right 
to  move  in  the  life,  and  to  endeavour  to  cease  in  the 
life.  Another  thing  which  I  have  sometimes  found 
beneficial,  though  occasionally  humiliating,  viz.,  when 
various  parts  or  passages  of  Scripture  have  come  up 
and  been  expressed  whilst  standing,  an  after  reference 
to  them,  not  only  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining 
whether  correctly  quoted,  but  whether  the  application 
of  them  to  the  subject  in  hand  may  have  been  right, 
judging  partly  from  their  contexts. 

"Thou  wilt  see  by  all  the  foregoing  how  my  pen 
runs  on.  It  is  certainly  time  to  draw  to  a  conclusion. 
My  wife  and  myself  are  at  present  favoured  with  usual 
health,  having  considerably  recovered  from  a  pull-down 
condition  through  the  unusual  degree  of  heat  recently. 
On  Fifth-day  next  we  hope  to  hie  away  to  our  little 
cottage  near  Sidcot  School,  and  there  for  two  months 
or  more  inhale  bracing,  pure  air.  What  will  afterwards 
be  my  lot  I  cannot  say.  Perhaps  thou  wilt  like  to 
know  that  thy  last  communication  was  perused  with 
great  ease  as  well  as  pleasure — the  writing  a  good 
sized  hand,  and  the  ink  black  enough — so  no  more 
hints  for  thee  on  those  points. 

"With  dear  love  joined  therein  by  my  life-partner 
(though  unknown  to  thee  and  thou  to  her), 

"Thy  sincerely  affectionate  friend, 

"A.  FRANK." 


AET.  17-22.  51 

On  the   day    after    Martha   Gillett,  jun.'s,   voice 
was    first  heard   in    meeting,    as    above    recorded, 
she   found    the    following    little    note  laid  by   her 
mother  on  her  dressing-table  : — 
"  My  beloved  Martha, 

"I  wish  to  assure  thee  that  both  thy  dear  father 
and  myself  feel  unity  and  much  sympathy  with  thee  in 
the  important  office  thou  considerest  thyself  called  upon 
to  fill ;  mayest  thou,  my  dear  child,  be  found  faithful 
and  be  preserved  from  the  many  dangers  and  difficulties 
which  may  surround  thy  path,  for  truly  the  enemy  of 
our  soul's  happiness  is  ever  busy  to  devise  means  to 
draw  us  from  the  narrow  path,  so  that  I  believe  the 
only  safe  state  for  us  to  be  in  is  with  a  single  eye  to 
look  to  the  Lord  for  strength  in  all  our  steppings,  that 
nothing  may  be  said  or  done  without  His  help,  then, 
whether  much  or  little  is  required  of  thee,  either  in 
public  or  in  a  more  retired  path,  I  believe  a  blessing 
will  attend,  and  peace,  sweet  peace,  be  the  clothing 
of  thy  mind.  Oftener  than  the  day  are  secret  prayers 
raised  for  my  dear  children,  that  the  Lord  would  be 
pleased  to  make  Himself  known  to  their  tender  minds, 
and  that  they  may  acknowledge  Him  in  all  their  ways, 
for  truly  He  is  alone  worthy  to  be  served  and  to  reign 
and  rule  in  our  hearts.  Thy  letter,  which  I  found  on 
my  table  last  night,  was  perused  with  feelings  of  tender 
sympathy  for  thee,  thou  hast  always  been  very  dear  to 
us,  and  ever  ready  to  share  in  the  domestic  care  which 
attends  my  path,  but  I  shall  most  willingly  liberate 
thee  at  any  time  to  attend  to  higher  duties. 

"  With   feelings   of  the  tenderest  affection, 

"  I   remain  thy  truly   sympathizing   mother, 

"M.  G." 


52  i845- 

This  full  unity  and  sympathy  of  both  her  parents 
was  a  great  strength  and  comfort  to  our  dear  mother, 
and  it  { was  not  long  after  her  acknowledgement  as 
a  Minister  before  she  felt  called  to  some  definite 
religious  work  in  her  own  and  other  Meetings. 
Of  these  engagements  we  will  speak  more  fully 
in  the  next  chapter. 


AET.  22.  53 


CHAPTER  V. 

Visits  to  Families  of  Friends  in  Banbury  Monthly 
Meeting,  4th  mo.  3rd  to  27th,  1846 — Visit  in  Gospel 
love  to  Herefordshire,  Worcestershire,  and  Wales, 
etc. — Extracts  from  Journal  relating  to  same. 


THE  earliest  service  to  which  our  mother  felt 
called  was  to  pay  family  visits  to  the  Friends 
of  her  own  Monthly  Meeting.  This  concern 
rested  on  her  heart  for  many  months  before  the 
way  seemed  clear  for  her  to  go  forward  in  it, 
and  during  all  this  time  she  passed  through  much 
deep  conflict  and  exercise  of  soul  in  regard  to  it. 
Writing  i2th  mo.  8th,  1845,  she  says,  ""  Oh  how 
poor  I  feel,  so  that  I  have  been  ready  to  say 
with  the  prophet  Jeremiah,  'Ah,  Lord  God,  I 
cannot  speak,  for  I  am  a  child.'  The  answer 
returned  to  this  plaintive  language,  *  Say  not  I 
am  a  child,  for  thou  shalt  go  to  all  that  I  shall 
send  thee,  and  whatsoever  I  command  thee  thou 
shalt  speak  :  be  not  afraid  of  their  faces,  for  I  am 
with  thee,  saith  the  Lord/  has  felt  very  comfort- 
ing to  my  poor  tossed  mind.  Oh  that  I  may  be 
enabled  to  sink  down  into  the  dust  under  a  sense 
of  my  own  nothingness,  and  oh,  gracious  Father, 


54  1846. 

make  me  willing  to  do  and  to  suffer  all  which 
Thou  mayest  be  pleased  in  Thine  infinite  wisdom 
to  appoint."  It  was  confirming  to  her  faith  when, 
towards  the  close  of  2nd  month,  1846,  her  friend, 
Phoebe  Atkins,  sent  for  her  to  say  that  she  had 
in  prospect  a  service  of  this  nature,  and  that  it 
had  seemed  shown  to  her  that  Martha  Gillett,  jun., 
had  a  similar  call,  and  was  to  be  her  companion. 
Still  doubts  and  fears  seemed  to  surround  her  path 
in  the  sense  of  her  own  unworthiness,  and  the  great 
fear  which  she  felt  of  running  before  her  Guide, 
but  on  3rd  mo.  7th,  she  writes : — "  My  path 
opens  before  me  with  increasing  clearness.  I  trust 
there  is  no  desire  to  shrink  from  duty's  call,  but 
I  have  need  to  cry  *  Lord,  help  me/  having  of 
my  own  neither  might  nor  strength."  On  telling 
her  father  of  her  feelings,  he  expressed  his  unity 
and  the  belief  that  it  would  be  right  for  him  to 
accompany  her,  which  was  to  her  as  a  fresh  evi- 
dence of  the  Lord's  guidance  and  love. 

3rd  mo.  3ist,  the  day  of  the  Monthly  Meeting, 
she  says  : — 

"  Feeling"  very  low,  but  I  desire  to  be  strengthened 
humbly  to  look  up  to  my  holy  Helper.  Oh,  the  deep 
poverty  that  has  been  my  portion  this  day — so  that  as 
I  sat  in  the  select  meeting  the  language  of  my  spirit 
seemed  to  be  'Who  is  weak  and  I  am  not  weak,'  and 
I  felt  ready  to  exclaim,  '  Surely  in  me  dwelleth  no  good 
thing.'  It  was  wonderful  to  myself  how  my  soul  was 
stayed  in  quiet  confidence,  and  strength  given  to  lay 
my  concern  before  friends,  in  which  I  was  favoured  to 


AET.  23.  55 

have  the  full  unity  of  all  present.  I  must  have  been 
helped  with  strength  beyond  my  own,  but  my  soul 
seemed  bowed  in  awful  silence  throughout  the  Meeting. 
I  could  pray  but  not  praise — and  thought  surely  no 
heart  was  ever  so  hard — but  the  Lord  in  adorable  mercy 
did  not  leave  me  long  without  a  sense  of  His  blessed 
life-giving  presence.  The  ride  home  and  the  remainder 
of  the  evening  were  favoured.  The  new  song  seemed 
put  into  my  mouth,  and  sweet  peace  is  my  portion, 
though  I  feel  so  little  to  deserve  it— so  UTTERLY 
unworthy  " 

On  4th  mo.  3rd,  in  company  with  Phoebe 
Atkins  and  her  father,  she  entered  upon  this 
engagement,  and  records  : — "  Had  six  sittings  to- 
day and  were  mercifully  helped,  the  Lord  con- 
triting  the  hearts  of  those  visited  and  preparing 
the  way  for  the  reception  of  the  messages  of 
His  love." 

4th  mo.  loth. — "  Were  favoured  to  get  through  six 
sittings  to-day,  which  nearly  finishes  in  this  Meeting. 
I  had  a  trying  time  this  evening  at  one  Friend's  house, 
feeling  it  my  place  to  keep  silence.  I  was  mercifully 
strengthened  to  bow  in  humble  resignation  to  my  dear 
Master's  will,  willingness  being  wrought  in  me  even  to 
appear  as  a  fool  for  Christ's  sake." 

4th  mo.  2ist. — "After  breakfast  we  went  on  to  Hook 
Norton.  I  soon  found  my  mind  dipped  into  fresh 
baptisms  as  we  rode  along.  Oh,  these  'deaths  oft,' 
how  the  creaturely  part  does  shrink  from  passing  through 
them,  and  yet  they  are  I  believe  indispensably  neces- 
sary, nor  is  it  any  wonder  if  vessels  in  use  need  more 
washing  and  cleansing  than  those  which  may  be  laid 


5  i847. 

up  on  the  shelf Had  seven  sittings  here 

to-day.  I  feel  humbled  under  the  belief  that  the  Lord 
is  with  me,  a  poor  stripling,  to  direct  the  stone  to  the 
mark.  Oh,  may  I  go  forward  in  His  strength  and  not 
in  my  own,  for  I  am  weak  and  poor,  empty  and  blind, 
and  soon  should  faint  and  fall  without  my  Saviour." 

From  the  3rd  to  the  27th  of  this  month  they 
paid  142  visits  to  families  or  individuals  in  the 
various  meetings,  and  at  the  close  of  this  service 
our  mother's  journal  records  as  follows  : — 

"  The  Lord  has  been  very  merciful.  He  hath  passed 
by  my  sins  both  of  commission  and  of  omission,  and 
hath  rewarded  with  soul-enriching  peace,  though  I  feel 
to  deserve  nothing — and  now  at  the  conclusion  of  this 
service  I  am  so  dealt  with  as  to  have  nothing  left  to 
glory  in  but  the  Lord's  mercy,  and  am  returning  home 
as  I  went  out,  poor  and  blind,  stripped  and  empty — all 
things  needful  having  been  provided  whilst  I  needed 
them." 

In  the  early  part  of  the  following  year  she 
felt  that  the  Lord  called  her  to  visit  the  meetings 
and  families  of  Friends  in  Herefordshire,  Worcester- 
shire, and  South  Wales.  In  regard  to  this  she 
writes,  3rd  mo.  i5th,  1847  : — 

"The  opening  of  the  twenty-fifth  year  of  my  life  has 
been  a  season  of  indescribable  conflict.  .  .  .  He  who 
knew  the  sincerity  of  my  heart  was  mercifully  pleased 
to  bow  my  stubborn  will  in  resignation,  so  that  I  could 
say  Amen  to  all  that  my  God  called  for,  and  in  the 
evening  I  was  strengthened  to  open  to  my  dear  parents 
the  prospect  of  religious  duty  which  was  before  me. 
.  .  .  They  encourage  me  to  faithfulness,  and  give 
me  up  freely." 


AET.  24.  57 

i;th,  Fourth-day. — "My  mind  this  morning  is  peace- 
ful, and  I  think  I  may  say  thankful.  The  belief  that 
the  Lord  is  leading  me  about  and  guiding  me  is 
sweetly  sustaining.  A  precious  time  at  meeting.  Many 
things  were  opened  in  the  light,  and  sealed  I  hope  with 
lasting  instruction.  I  saw  how  necessary  it  is  to  take 
in  sufficient  ballast  to  keep  the  vessel  steady,  and  how 
those  of  the  greatest  burden  must  get  into  deep  water, 
before  they  can  move  forwards  in  safety,  and  had  to  look 
back  upon  my  past  exercises  and  conflicts,  meditating 
on  the  wonderful  ways  and  works  of  the  Lord." 

1 8th. — "I  received  a  kind  note  from  Hannah  Walford 
this  morning  which  was  comforting  and  confirming. 
The  prospect  of  religious  service  which  I  have  before 
me  has  not  been  mentioned  to  any  one  but  my  dear 
parents  and  sister,  yet  H.  W.  writes  as  if  acquainted 
with  it.  Is  not  this  the  Lord's  doing  and  marvellous 
in  my  eyes,  and  ought  not  these  helps  graciously 
granted  to  my  often  doubting  mind  to  be  received  with 
thankfulness  ? ' ' 

1 9th. — "My  dear  father  offers  to  be  my  companion 
in  the  service  in  prospect,  which  is  a  favour  I  cannot 
feel  too  thankful  for.  It  is  wonderful  how  the  Lord  is 
making  a  way  for  me  where  I  could  see  no  way." 

4th  mo.  7th. — "To  the  Monthly  Meeting  with  my 
dear  parents,  sister,  and  brother.  On  sitting  down 
amongst  my  dear  friends  I  was  brought  to  tears  and 
my  heart  was  broken  and  humbled,  which  precious 
feeling  was  continued  until  and  during  the  time  I 
spread  my  concern  before  my  friends.  There  was  a 
sweet  feeling  over  the  meeting,  many  being  reached  and 
tendered  by  the  Lord's  power.  My  dear  father  offered 
himself  to  accompany  me  in  this  journey,  there  was  a 


5°  1847- 

full  expression  of  unity  and  sympathy  with  our  prospects 
and  a  certificate  was  drawn  up  and  signed  liberating 
us  for  the  service  before  us." 

4th  mo.  I2th,  Second-day. — "Parted  with  dear  Joseph 
by  the  early  coach  this  morning,  and  am  now  preparing 
to  leave  myself,  being  favoured  with  a  comfortable 
evidence  that  the  Lord  my  God  is  with  me  and  will  be 
with  me  in  all  the  way  that  He  may  call  me  to  go. 
We  reached  Birmingham  comfortably  and  were  kindly 
received  by  our  dear  relations  there.  Condescend,  oh 
Lord,  to  preserve  me  in  holy  watchfulness,  lest  I  grieve 
Thee  by  either  giving  or  withholding  more  than  is 
meet." 

I3th. — "Whilst  travelling  towards  Worcester  under 
many  discouraging  feelings  the  Lord  by  His  heavenly 
power  suddenly  broke  in  upon  my  soul,  and  a  language 
was  spoken  as  intelligible  as  words  uttered  by  mortal 
lips,  '  Fear  not,  I  will  be  with  thee  at  Worcester.'  This 
was  several  times  repeated,  accompanied  by  such  a 
sweet  contriting  feeling,  that  I  then  felt  all  my  pangs, 
exercises  and  conflicts,  were  abundantly  worth  passing 
through,  if  only  for  the  sweet  enjoyment  of  Divine 
goodness  with  which  I  was  at  that  season  favoured. 
Oh,  how  my  soul  doth  bless  and  praise  the  Lord,  who 
thus  tenderly  carries  in  His  arms  His  helpless,  feeble 
lambs." 

1 4th. — "A  large  gathering  of  friends  met  here 
(Worcester)  to-day,  amongst  whom  I  took  my  seat  under 
feelings  of  much  poverty  and  weakness,  but  the  Lord 
gave  me  an  open  time  amongst  them,  first  in  suppli- 
cation, and  afterwards  in  a  living  testimony  to  His 
blessed  truth.  The  dear  youth  were  tenderly  pleaded 
with,  and  entreated  to  yield  up  their  hearts  to  the 
disposal  of  their  gracious  Redeemer." 


AET.  24.  59 

It  is  probably  of  this  meeting  that  a  friend, 
writing  from  Worcester  since  Martha  Braithwaite's 
decease,  says  : — "When  she  was  quite  a  young 
woman  I  remember  her  attending  one  of  our 
meetings  for  worship  with  a  minute  for  religious 
service,  and  wish  I  could  give  some  idea  of  her 
weighty  counsel  to  the  young  Friends  present." 
The  whole  time  of  her  visit  at  Worcester  seems 
to  have  been  much  blessed.  Mention  is  especially 
made  of  one  young  Friend  who  came  to  her  in 
her  room  in  tears  and  said,  "  Once  I  loved  thy 
Master,  but  I  am  afraid  I  do  not  love  Him  now/' 
and  whom  she  was  enabled  to  encourage  to  a 
fresh  dedication  of  heart  and  life  to  the  Lord. 
On  the  1 5th  they  proceeded  by  coach  to  New- 
port (Monmouthshire),  "  a  long  ride  of  sixty-five 
miles,  through  beautiful  country,  the  river  Wye 
winding  amongst  woods,  hills  and  mountains." 

i6th,  Sixth-day. — "At  ten  o'clock  this  morning  we 
sat  with  the  little  company  in  this  place  (Newport), 
six  in  number.  We  were  preciously  favoured  together 
through  unmerited  mercy — it  was  even  as  showers  of 
blessing  falling  upon  thirsty  ground.  We  drove  on 
to  Cardiff,  twelve  miles,  in  the  afternoon,  and  were  at 
a  meeting  there  at  six  in  the  evening.  Several  attended 
who  were  not  members,  which  brought  me  under  a 
good  deal  of  exercise,  my  spirit  was  greatly  burdened 
with  the  sense  of  the  death  and  darkness  that  reigned 
in  them,  and  I  had  to  preach  repentance  unto  them 
through  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  declare  many  things 
amongst  them  plainly.  I  could  get  no  relief  nor  cast 
off  my  burden  to  the  friends  of  that  Meeting  until 


6o 


1847. 


afterwards,  when  I  requested  them  to  sit  down  again 
with  us  alone,  and  was  at  length  favoured  to  feel  clear 
and  left  them  with  a  peaceful  mind." 

1 7th,  Seventh-day. — After  an  early  breakfast  we  came 
on  to  Neath,  thirty-six  miles.  The  service  before  me 
here  is  deeply  humiliating  to  look  at.  My  heart  seemed 
to  sink  within  me  as  I  passed  the  many  iron,  tin,  and 
other  works  scattered  over  the  neighbouring  country, 
and  I  felt  ready  again  and  again  to  query  '  Wherefore 
am  I  come  hither  ? '  but  strong  is  my  glorious  Helper 
whose  the  work  is,  and  the  language  seems  to  arise, 
'I  will  get  me  unto  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I.'  ' 

i8th,  First-day. — "Exceedingly  stripped  this  morning. 
I  believe  I  must  give  up  to  visiting  the  families  here. 
Be  near  to  help  me,  O  Lord,  and  strengthen  me  to  do 
Thy  work  faithfully." 

About  twenty-five  family  visits  were  paid  here, 
and  two  public  meetings  held  with  the  men  of 
the  iron  works,  several  hundreds  being  present  at 
each  meeting.  They  were  held  in  dissenting 
chapels,  and  our  mother  writes  : — "  It  was  a 
formidable  thing  to  me,  a  poor  weak  stripling, 
to  mount  the  pulpit,  but  all  must  be  submitted 
to  and  is  made  easy  when  the  love  of  Christ 
constraineth." 

23rd. — "  Came  on  to  Swansea,  paid  six  family  visits, 
and  in  the  evening  we  were  at  a  public  meeting  held  in 
the  Friends'  Meeting  House  here  for  the  people  engaged 
in  the  Pottery.  The  manager  was  very  kind  in  making 
way  for  them  to  attend,  and  came  himself  to  the 
meeting.  The  house  was  filled  with  the  class  I  wished 
to  see,  and  it  was  a  very  relieving  time,  though  the 


AET.  24. 


6i 


whole  of  the  service  fell  on  me,  but  the  Lord  graciously 
supplied  the  needful  strength  and  enabled  me  to 
declare  unto  them  the  unsearchable  riches  of  His  love 
in  Christ  Jesus.  Great  solemnity  prevailed  and  several 
afterwards,  the  manager  among  the  rest,  expressed 
themselves  well  pleased  with  the  opportunity." 

25th,  First-day. — "Attended  the  meeting  at  Swansea 
this  morning,  wherein  I  had  some  close  things  to  deliver, 
but  peace  was  granted  in  delivering  the  message  faith- 
fully. In  the  evening  my  dear  father  and  myself  were 
at  a  public  meeting  appointed  at  my  request  in  the 
Sailor's  Chapel  for  those  engaged  amongst  the  shipping 
here.  It  was  well  attended  and  great  solemnity  pre- 
vailed throughout.  I  was  sweetly  helped  through  the 
portion  of  the  service  allotted  me,  and  I  trust  the  Great 
Husbandman  will  bless  the  seed  sown." 

26th. — "We  hear  that  there  were  more  than  thirty 
captains  of  vessels  present  at  the  meeting  last  evening, 
and  find  that  the  stone  hit  the  mark  rather  remarkably 
in  several  instances.  This  is  the  Lord's  doing  and 
marvellous  in  our  eyes.  Great  is  the  peace  with  which 
I  have  been  permitted  to  leave  Swansea.  We  reached 
Haverford  West  in  the  evening,  a  distance  of  about 
sixty-five  miles.  Jonathan  Rees  of  Neath  very  kindly 
accompanied  us." 

2;th. — "  Left  early  this  morning  for  Milford,  and  sat 
with  the  few  Friends  there.  It  was  not  a  season  of 
much  abounding,  but  I  trust  the  precious  seed  of  the 
Kingdom  was  watered  and  refreshed.  Oh,  how  softly 
and  carefully  should  we  who  are  engaged  in  the  Lord's 
vineyard  move  along,  lest  we  crush  that  which  should 
be  kept  alive,  or  water  that  which  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
is  against  to  destroy." 


62 


1847. 


28th. — "Lay  down  for  a  few  hours,  and  at  half-past 
two  we  turned  our  faces  homewards,  feeling  a  peaceful 
release  mercifully  granted.  I  feel  unable  to  speak  forth 
all  the  mercies  of  my  gracious  God  unto  me — how  He 
hath  preserved  me  in  all  my  steppings  along  in  His 
blessed  service,  and  now  so  favoured  me  in  the  close 
that,  although  sensible  of  my  own  frailty  and  unworthi- 
ness,  I  am  permitted  to  feel  that  there  has  been  nothing 
left  undone  that  was  called  for  through  disobedience 
to  His  holy  divine  requirings,  and  if  I  have  erred  on 
the  other  hand  by  running  at  seasons  too  fast,  all 
seems  passed  by  and  covered  with  mercy,  which  is  far 
more  than  I  feel  to  be  deserving  of,  and  my  spirit  is 
bowed  and  broken  under  a  sense  of  the  Lord's  preserv- 
ing power  and  condescending  goodness.  After  a  safe 
journey  we  arrived  in  Gloucester  about  half-past  ten 
o'clock  at  night,  having  travelled  by  coach  145  miles." 

29th. — "Reached  my  peaceful  home  this  evening 
about  six  o'clock.  A  sweet  precious  covering  of  divine 
goodness  clothes  my  spirit  with  thankfulness  and  praise. 
I  feel  to  deserve  nothing,  yet  the  hundred-fold  reward 
is  given,  and  sheaves  of  the  Lord's  own  gathering  to 
cast  down  again  at  His  feet.  May  my  own  soul  be  laid 
there  also  that  He  may  do  with  me  as  it  seemeth  to 
Him  good,  and  prepare  me  more  and  more  to  show 
forth  His  praise." 


AET.  25.  63 


CHAPTER   VI. 

Visit  to  Kent  Q.M.  and  to  Sussex  and  Surrey  Q.M., 
1848 — Visits  to  Fallen  Women  and  to  some  Lodging- 
Houses  and  Beer  Houses  in  Banbury,  8th  mo., 
1849. 

TOWARDS  the   close   of  1848  our   dear   mother 
again  felt  called  into  the  field  of  active  service 
for  her  Master,  believing  it  required  of  her  to 
visit   the  meetings  and  families   of  friends  in  Kent 
Quarterly  Meeting,  and   also   in  Sussex   and   Surrey 
Q.M.     In   reference    to    this    service    we    find   the 
following   entries  in   her  journal : — 

loth  mo.  ijth,  1848. — "I  believe  I  must  give  up  to 
a  little  service  that  seems  to  press  home  with  increasing 
weight,  yet  I  find  it  hard  to  come  to  true  submission. 
I  cannot  do  it  of  myself,  therefore,  O  Lord,  help  me,  I 
beseech  Thee,  and  in  Thy  tender  mercy  keep  me  in  the 
way  which  Thou  hast  cast  up  for  me  to  walk  in,  and 
make  me  of  the  number  of  Thy  willing  and  obedient 
children." 

Anxiety  on  account  of  her  brother  Joseph, 
whose  illness  was  just  beginning,  made  it  seem 
especially  difficult  to  her  to  leave  home  at  this 
time,  but  she  felt  that  the  call  was  from  the 
Lord  and  that  she  must  be  willing  even  to  leave 
all  and  follow  Him. 


64 


1848-49- 


nth  mo.  ist.,  1848. — "Arose  under  much  heaviness 
in  the  prospect  of  our  Monthly  Meeting,  but  was  merci- 
fully favoured  when  there  and  through  the  day  to  feel 
my  mind  stayed  upon  the  Lord  in  quietness  and  peace. 
One  language  only  seemed  uppermost  in  my  heart,  '  Be 
thou  faithful  unto  death  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown 
of  life.'  It  was  a  strengthening  time,  many  expressing 
their  unity  and  near  sympathy  with  me  in  my  concern, 
and  my  beloved  friend  Deborah  Beesley  in  a  very 
feeling  manner  offered  to  accompany  me,  expressing  that 
she  felt  herself  bound  to  go  forth  with  me  to  do  or 
to  suffer  in  the  service  as  the  Lord  might  appoint  for 
us.  We  seemed  bowed  together  before  the  Lord  in  a 
feeling  which  was  beyond  words,  and  which  dear 
Susanna  Kirkham  sweetly  acknowledged  vocally  after 
reading  the  closing  minute.  The  song  for  this  evening 
seems  to  be  '  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all 
that  is  within  me  bless  His  holy  name.'  " 

In  the  record  of  this  journey  that  deep  con- 
cern for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  all  with  whom 
she  came  in  contact,  which  was  such  a  marked 
feature  of  her  character  through  life,  is  very 
clearly  brought  out.  At  Reading  she  spoke  "a 
few  words,  which  seemed  to  find  entrance,"  to 
the  young  friend  who  was  walking  with  her  to 
the  station,  and  in  the  train  between  London  and 
Canterbury  she  says  : — "  I  gave  some  tracts  to  my 
fellow-passengers,  feeling  an  exercise  of  soul  on 
their  account,  particularly  for  a  rather  rough- 
looking  man  sitting  opposite  to  me,  to  whom  I 
handed  one  entitled,  '  What  is  the  soul  worth  ? ' 
He  read  it  with  much  attention,  and  I  observed 


AET.  25-26.  65 

him  many  times  rubbing  the  tears  from  his  eyes, 
till  at  length  he  seemed  quite  overcome.  I  felt 
it  best  not  to  interrupt  his  meditations,  but  told 
him  he  might  keep  the  tract,  with  which  he 
seemed  much  pleased,  and  on  getting  out  thanked 
me  for  it  and  said  he  should  read  it  again.  He 
afterwards  came  to  the  door  to  make  his  bow, 
and  I  trust  did  not  leave  without  at  least  having 
felt  the  renewed  strivings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  for 
entrance  into  his  heart,  and  a  cheering  hope 
seemed  raised  that  some  entrance  would  be  given." 

On  this  same  journey  she  had  much  conversa- 
tion with  a  young  woman  in  the  railway  carriage, 
who  seemed  to  be  in  an  awakened  state  of  mind, 
encouraging  her  "to  keep  faithful  to  the  Light 
which  had  shined."  It  was  in  this  spirit  that  she 
moved  along  all  through  life,  with  a  heart  always 
open  to  the  needs  of  those  around  her  and  ever 
ready  when  opportunity  offered  to  speak  a  word 
for  her  Saviour,  truly  fulfilling  His  command, 
"  As  ye  go,  preach,  saying,  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven 
is  at  hand." 

The  visit  to  these  Quarterly  Meetings  occupied 
six  weeks  of  very  close  labour,  and  included  visits 
to  the  meetings  and  families  of  Friends  at  Can- 
terbury, Margate,  Dover,  Folkestone,  Ashford,  Maid- 
stone,  Rochester,  Sittingbourne,  Chatham,  Reigate, 
Dorking,  Guildford,  Capel,  Crawley,  Ifield,  Hor- 
sham,  Lewes,  Chichester,  Brighton,  and  Lindfield. 
At  Rochester  they  were  "  cordially  received  by 
Ann  and  Eliza  Rickman,"  with  whom  our  mother's 


66 


l848-49. 


school  days  had  been  spent.  "  It  was  very 
sweet  to  me,"  she  says,  "  again  to  welcome 
and  be  welcomed  by  some  whom  I  loved 
when  a  child."  Her  sister  Elizabeth  was  then 
at  school  at  Lewes,  and  came  to  breakfast 
with  them  whilst  there.  They  also  visited  the 
school  and  had  "  a  solemn  opportunity  amongst 
the  dear  children."  During  these  weeks,  meetings 
and  family  visits  followed  each  other  in  very  close 
succession,  as  many  as  fourteen  visits  being 
sometimes  arranged  for  on  one  day ;  so  that  she 
writes,  "  I  believe  I  must  be  willing  a  little  to 
check  my  dear,  kind  friends  when  they  would 
plan  so  much  for  me.  I  feel  that  it  requires 
great  watchfulness  not  to  move  on  too  fast,  as 
well  as  much  care  not  to  be  idle.  There  is  deep 
exercise  to  pass  through,  and  often  close  proving 
in  these  visits."  And  again,  "  some  of  the  labour 
has  been  hard :  how  much  easier  it  is  to  the 
natural  part  to  have  to  water  that  which  hath 
life,  than  to  be  made  use  of  to  plough  up  the 
hard,  dead,  earthly  nature  ;  but  the  poor  servant 
must  be  willing  to  labour  honestly  and  to  mind 
the  directions  of  the  great  Husbandman,  who  alone 
knoweth  what  is  needed  in  His  great  harvest 
field." 

At  Reigate  she  enjoyed  exploring  the  cave  in 
which  Magna  Carta  was  supposed  to  have  been 
drawn  up,  and  throughout  the  journey  several 
times  mentions  having  felt  her  spirit  greatly  re- 
freshed by  the  drives  in  the  beautiful  country 


AET.  25-26. 


67 


through  which  they  had  to  pass.  Of  Capel  she 
says  : — "  i2th  mo.  ist. — This  morning  we  drove  to 
Capel,  eighteen  miles  distant  from  Guildford,  and 
found  the  friends  assembled  at  the  Meeting  House, 
which  presented  quite  an  interesting,  rustic  ap- 
pearance, as  the  Friends'  carts  were  standing  in 
the  little  close  adjoining,  and  the  Meeting  House 
itself  is  of  ancient  date."  Of  the  family  visits  she 
writes  again  : — "  Oh,  the  provings  which  this  work 
brings  into  ;  but  He  who  hath  called  forth  hath 
strengthened  and  will  yet  strengthen  to  perform, 
if  my  whole  trust  is  in  Him  alone.  There  is  no 
life,  but  through  death." 

Just  as  they  had  completed  the  engagement, 
and  when  they  only  contemplated  attending  one 
more  Meeting  before  returning  home,  our  mother 
met  with  an  accident,  which  she  thus  describes, 
writing  on  I2th  mo.  25th  : — "  When  about  entering 
the  sitting-room  to  take  leave,  I  stepped  a  little  on 
one  side,  and  not  being  aware  of  a  flight  of  steps 
leading  to  an  under-ground  kitchen,  which  com- 
menced close  to  the  parlour  door,  I  fell  from  the 
top  to  the  bottom,  coming  with  great  force  on  my 
left  ankle,  which  was  bent  under  me  in  the  fall, 
and  sprained  so  severely  that  the  doctor  ordered 
me  to  take  to  my  bed  and  have  eight  leeches 
immediately  applied.  These  did  their  part  well, 
but  it  was  needful  to  put  on  six  more  afterwards 
and  to  keep  up  the  hot  fomentations  pretty  con- 
stantly. My  mind  through  all  was  sweetly  clothed 
with  thankfulness  and  peace,  feeling  as  much  willing- 


68 


1848-49. 


ness  to  suffer  as  I  had  before  done  to  do  all  that 
might  be  allotted  for  me,  so  that  the  will  of  my 
Heavenly  Father  might  be  accomplished  in,  byr 
and  through  me,  His  poor  child.  My  dear  com- 
panion was  most  truly  kind  and  sympathizing, 
nursing  me  like  a  mother,  and  feeling  under  this 
dispensation  peacefully  relieved  from  any  further 
service,  I  moved,  as  soon  as  it  was  considered 
prudent,  and  travelled  home  on  the  sixth-day 
following.  I  found  dearest  Joseph  better  than  I 
expected,  and  the  rest  in  usual  health.  I  am  still 
a  prisoner  to  the  couch  with  my  ankle,  but  hope 
it  is  going  on  favourably.  Thus  ended  a  memor- 
able travel  of  more  than  six  weeks,  wherein  I  had 
to  go  forth,  scarcely  knowing  whither,  at  the  com- 
mand of  my  Lord  and  Master,  to  warn  the  un- 
ruly, to  counsel  the  disobedient,  to  comfort  the 
mourners,  and  to  publish  the  glad  tidings  of  life 
and  salvation  through  a  crucified  Redeemer  ;  and 
though  all  that  has  been  done  seems  but  as  the 
drop  in  the  bucket,  I  feel  sweet  peace  in  having 
endeavoured  to  yield  obedience  unto  the  Lord's 
requirings." 

The  next  public  service  to  which  our  dear 
mother  was  called  was  one  particularly  trying  to 
her  sensitive  nature,  and  she  passed  through  many 
deep  baptisms  and  provings  in  connection  with  it 
before  her  will  was  bowed  in  entire  submission  to 
this  divine  requiring  ;  yet  still  the  prayer  of  her 
soul  was  that  the  Lord  would  work  in  her  to 
will  and  to  do  of  His  good  pleasure. 


AET.  25-26.  69 

Under  date  yth  mo.,  i8th,  1849,   she  writes  : — 

"After  a  day  of  many  fears  and  much  secret  tossing, 
was  enabled  to  unburden  my  mind  to  my  beloved 
father,  and  to  tell  him  that  I  felt  it  laid  upon  me  to  go 
from  house  to  house  amongst  the  lodging  houses  in  this 
town,  and  other  places  of  a  similar  description,  and  to 
have,  as  the  way  may  be  made  for  it,  religious  oppor- 
tunities with  their  miserable  inmates.  He  seemed  to 
feel  unity  with  my  concern,  and  encouraged  me  to  go 
forward  in  simple  faith  and  faithfulness  in  the  way  cast 
up.  The  nature  of  this  exercise  has  often  seemed  to 
myself  new  and  strange,  and  has  truly  been  such  as  I 
never  before  experienced.  My  nature  has  shrunk  ex- 
ceedingly from  this  humiliating  path,  which  has  been 
opened  before  me  for  nearly  five  years,  and  it  has  been 
only  quite  lately  that  there  has  been  anything  like 
resignation  to  go  forth,  yet  I  trust  the  right  time  has 
been  waited  for.  I  dare  not  move  except  of  necessity, 
and  then  the  result  must  be  committed  unto  Him  who 
seeth  the  end  from  the  beginning." 

25th. — "Very  low  and  almost  ready  to  sink  under  the 
weight  of  sin  and  wickedness  of  which  I  felt  sensible. 
O  Lord,  enable  me  to  abide  patiently  under  Thy  pre- 
paring hand,  and  strengthen  me  to  cast  my  burden 
upon  Thee,  that  whether  on  my  own  account  or  for  the 
sake  of  others  I  am  thus  dealt  with,  the  chastening 
may  work  the  end  which  Thou  hast  designed." 

On  hearing  of  her  concern,  her  friend  Phoebe 
Atkins  offered  herself  as  her  companion,  which, 
she  says,  was  gratefully  received  "  as  another  fresh 
proof  of  the  infinite  condescension,  care,  and  love 
of  my  dear  Lord  and  Master." 


7°  i848-49. 

8th  mo.  ist,  the  day  of  the  Monthly  Meeting, 
she  writes: — "I  ventured  to  tell  my  dear  friends  of  the 
prospect  which  has  so  long  rested  weightily  upon  my 
own  mind  of  visiting  in  the  love  of  the  Gospel,  and  as 
truth  may  open  the  way,  the  lodging  houses  and  some 
of  the  beer  houses  in  this  town  and  Neithrop,  and  also 
some  of  the  cottages  amongst  the  poor  where  vice  and 
wickedness  are  the  most  known  to  abound.  Great 
solemnity  was  felt  over  the  Meeting  after  I  sat  down, 
and  in  a  little  while  came  the  expression  of  near  sym- 
pathy and  unity  with  me  under  my  exercise,  so  that  I 
was  set  free  by  minute  to  pursue  the  line  of  appre- 
hended duty.  Dear  Phoebe  Atkins  was  also  liberated 
to  accompany  me,  and  one  or  two  men  friends  were 
requested  to  go  with  us.  I  feel  thankful  that  the  way 
is  thus  far  made,  and  now  may  I  endeavour  to  trust 
in  the  Lord." 

She  was  occupied  in  this  service  from  8th 
mo.  8th  to  Qth  mo.  2nd,  1849,  and  paid  in  all 
about  fourteen  visits  to  lodging  houses  and  seven 
to  beer-houses,  besides  visiting  the  inmates  of  the 
gaol  and  some  few  separate  individuals.  From 
her  own  account  of  this  engagement  we  extract 
the  following  : — 

8th  mo.  8th. — "I  was  favoured  at  meeting  with  a 
pretty  quiet  time,  and  afterwards  entered  on  my  religious 
engagement  amongst  some  of  the  most  degraded  of  our 
poor ;  and  how  greatly  did  I  feel  the  need  in  entering 
into  it  of  having  clean  hands  and  a  clean  heart.  Phoebe 
Atkins,  my  dear  father,  and  William  Walford  accom- 
panied me,  and  the  way  was  marvellously  made  far 
beyond  what  I  had  dared  to  look  for.  When  we  entered 
the  first  cottage  our  concern  was  explained  by 


AET.  25-26.  7* 

W.  Walford,  and  our  wish  to  sit  down  with  all  the 
inmates  who  would  be  willing  to  assemble  with  us. 
Some  little  hesitation  was  at  first  manifested,  for  they, 
many  of  them,  seemed  as  though  they  would  be  glad  to 
get  away  from  mortal  eye ;  however  seven  were  present, 
which  I  believe  was  all  their  number,  and  we  were 
enabled  to  declare  unto  these  the  everlasting  gospel  of 
life  and  salvation  through  a  crucified  Redeemer.  Prayer 
was  offered  for  these  poor  wanderers  at  the  conclusion, 
and  we  left  many  of  them  in  tears." 

Two  other  cottages  were  visited  on  this  day, 
in  one  of  which  they  held  two  sittings,  and  our 
mother  writes  : — 

"The  poor  young  women  seemed  generally  thankful 
for  the  visit.  My  soul  seemed  lifted  up  in  praise  through 
the  remainder  of  the  day  for  the  help  vouchsafed,  and 
I  lay  down  at  night  under  a  covering  of  sweet  peace." 

8th  mo.  Qth. — "At  eleven  o'clock,  poor  and  empty, 
we  again  set  forth.  The  first  visit  was  to  a  beer  house 
in  Calthrop  Lane,  notorious  for  its  bad  character,  the 
sign,  'The  Royal  Oak.'  The  landlady  strongly  opposed 
our  views,  but  after  my  dear  father  and  James  Cadbury 
had  talked  to  her  for  some  time,  she  said,  '  Well  if  you 
like,  you  may  go  into  the  kitchen,  but  I  can  take  no 
part  in  it.'  We  believe  she  thought  we  should  be  very 
glad  soon  to  make  our  escape,  and  that  its  inmates 
would  not  allow  us  to  stay  amongst  them,  but  we  felt  that 
we  had  not  to  go  in  our  own  strength,  and  I  was 
favoured  to  feel  no  fear.  We  found  there  a  rough  and 
rude  company,  consisting  of  six  men  and  two  young 
women  who  were  engaged  in  playing  at  cards.  They 
seemed  struck,  and  disposed  to  ridicule  the  strangeness 


2  1848-49. 

of  our  appearance  and  our  visit,  but  made  room  for  us 
to  sit  amongst  them,  continuing  to  laugh  rudely  at  one 
another  and  at  us  until  I  commenced  speaking.  One 
man  amongst  them,  however,  frequently  reproved  the 
others,  saying  such  conduct  towards  strangers  was 
shameful,  yet  he  seemed  from  the  way  in  which  they 
received  his  advice  to  be  as  bad  or  worse  than  his 
companions.  I  was  strengthened  to  speak  to  them  very 
plainly  of  death  and  a  judgment  to  come,  of  their  re- 
sponsibility to  a  just  and  holy  and  righteous  God, 
who  had  given  them  life  and  breath  and  being; 
of  the  unspeakable  value  of  their  never  dying  souls, 
and  that  the  wages  of  sin  would  be  everlasting  death — 
also  to  direct  them  to  that  Saviour,  who  died  that  they 
might  live,  and  who  came  not  to  call  the  righteous  but 
sinners  unto  repentance.  Dear  Phcebe  Atkins  followed  in 
much  the  same  strain,  and  James  Cadbury  added  a  few 
words.  They  were  quiet  and  orderly  whilst  we  were  speak- 
ing, except  two,  who  persuaded  one  another  to  leave  the 
room,  and  when  we  rose  to  take  leave  of  them  we  found 
that  notwithstanding  all,  they  had  yet  hearts  to  feel  and 
some  of  them  were  in  tears.  It  did  me  good  to  see 
them  thus  humbled  before  the  Lord,  unto  whom  from 
my  own  heart,  blessing  and  praise  secretly  ascended  for 
the  help  vouchsafed,  ascribing  unto  Him  all  the  glory. 
There  were  several  of  them  anxious  to  know  when  we 
could  come  again,  but  we  felt  thankful  to  be  once  more 
in  the  pure  air ;  yet  under  a  sense  of  our  Heavenly 
Father's  constraining  love,  we  were  made  willing  to  go 
forward  to  the  next  abode  of  wretchedness  and  vice. 
Here  we  sat  down  with  six  young  women,  and  were 
favoured  to  have  a  good  time.  Two  of  them  were  much 
contrited,  and  one  of  these  had  behaved  very  lightly 
during  the  early  part  of  the  sitting.  I  had  to  tell  them 


AET.  25-26.  73 

that  though  they  might  think  all  passed  them  by,  that 
there  was  none  that  cared  for  their  souls,  yet  that 
there  was  One  who  did  in  Infinite  Love  care  even  for 
them,  that  He  was  still  waiting  to  be  gracious  unto 
them,  if  they  would  return,  repent  and  live.  It  was 
affecting  to  see  them  hide  their  faces  in  their  aprons,  weep- 
ing bitterly.  Quietness  and  peace  were  at  the  close 
mercifully  permitted  to  be  my  portion,  to  Thee  O  Lord 
belongeth  all  the  glory." 

8th  mo.  i5th,  Fourth-day. — "Visits  paid  to  five  cottages." 

8th  mo.  1 7th. — "  Commenced  our  visits  in  Banbury  at 
eleven  o'clock,  James  Cadbury  as  guide.  Visited  first 
a  beer  house  in  Lower  Cherwell  Street.  The  landlady 
positively  told  us  that  she  had  only  one  young  woman 
there  with  her,  but  we  found  there  were  two  others 
in  the  house,  also  four  men  in  a  back  room  drinking 
and  smoking.  To  these  we  went  telling  them  the  object 
of  our  visit,  when  they  readily  offered  to  meet  with  us 
in  a  front  room,  and  brought  their  pipes  with  them, 
though  they  were  little  used.  One  of  these  poor  men 
said  he  knew  Arnee  Frank,  of  Bristol ;  that  his  father 
was  a  Friend,  and  that  he  was  himself  at  one  time  a 
member  of  our  Society,  and  went  to  a  Friends'  School. 
After  some  difficulty  the  three  young  women  were  per- 
suaded also  to  meet  with  us,  and  the  silence  into 
which  they  all  settled  was  remarkable :  indeed  they 
behaved  most  respectfully  throughout  the  whole  of  the 
opportunity.  I  had  to  set  before  them  that  language, 
'Ye  are  not  your  own,  ye  are  bought  with  a  price,' 
etc.,  and  dear  P.  A.  also  addressed  them  at  some  length. 

I    felt    it    quite    a    relieving    time We    then 

went  forward  to  a  beer-house  to  which,  though  of  a 
more  respectable  character,  I  had  felt  strongly  attracted 


74  1848-49- 

x 

ever  since  the  opening  of  this  concern.  We  had  a 
comfortable  opportunity  with  the  owners,  who  seemed 
thankful  for  the  visit,  and  it  was  my  lot  to  sympathize 
with  them  in  their  afflictions.  This  visit  seemed  like  a 
little  brook  by  the  way.  .  .  .  We  then  went  to  a 
beer-house  in  Back  Lane,  notorious  for  its  very  bad 
character.  Here  we  found  a  large  unruly  company  as- 
sembled, men  and  women,  about  16  or  18  in  all.  Some 
of  them  offered  us  porter  and  derided  us,  and  they 
were  most  of  them  very  noisy  and  would  scarcely  hear 
what  we  had  to  say.  I  had  to  warn  them  of  their 
wickedness  and  tell  them  that  they  would  be  brought 
into  judgment,  etc.,  and  dear  P.  A.  also  addressed  them. 
Oh  the  wickedness  we  have  seen  in  this  place  ;  it  has 
even  exceeded  all  the  others  we  have  yet  visited,  and 
that  they  sin  against  conviction,  is  very  evident  from 
their  own  sense  of  the  evil  of  their  ways.  My  heart 
trembled  to  think  what  would  be  the  consequence  and 
ached  for  them .  They  said,  notwithstanding  their  very  rude 
behaviour,  they  would  hear  us  when  they  would  not 
others,  because  we  preached  to  them  freely  and  did  not 
ask  for  money,  and  they  felt  sure  that  our  motives 
were  good.  I  felt  thankful  when  this  visit  was  over,, 
and  am  favoured  now  in  the  retrospect  to  feel  sweet 
peace.  Some  of  this  company  even  mocked  at  the 
Scriptures  of  Truth,  but  there  were  a  few  who  sat 
solidly,  and  seemed  concerned  at  the  conduct  of  their 
companions." 

8th  mo.  iQth,  First-day. — "  At  two  o'clock  we  visited 
the  lodging  house  in  Neithrop,  having  previously  given 
notice  of  our  intention.  They  received  us  respectfully 
and  settled  down  together  into  stillness.  I  think  there 
were  eleven  present,  some  most  destitute  as  to  outward 
comforts.  My  dear  father  spoke  first,  then  dear  Phcebe 


AET.  25-26.  75 

Atkins,  and  then  I  had  to  express  my  sympathy  with 
them  as  wanderers  and  outcasts,  and  to  direct  them  to 
seek  after  an  inheritance  in  that  city  which  hath 
foundations,  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God,  also  to 
point  them  to  Christ  Jesus,  the  only  Saviour  and 
Redeemer,  in  whom  they  might  find  rest  unto  their  souls. 
There  seemed  an  openness  to  hear,  and  it  was  altogether 
a  relieving  opportunity,  yielding  in  the  retrospect  cause  for 
humble  thankfulness  unto  Him  who  hath  mercifully 
condescended  to  be  my  strength  in  weakness,  riches  in 
my  poverty,  and  a  very  present  helper  in  the  time  of 
need." 

8th  mo.  25th. — "We  paid  two  visits  in  Neithrop,  the  first 
to  a  cottage  in  Rag  Row,  where  we  sat  down  with  one 
individual.  I  felt  it  an  open  time  and  there  seemed  a 
feeling  of  good  over  us  whilst  sitting  together  in  silence, 
which,  at  length,  led  me  to  bend  the  knee  in  supplica- 
tion to  the  Father  of  mercies  for  this  poor  wanderer. 
...  .  On  rising  to  take  leave  my  heart  was  bowed 
in  humble  thankfulness  unto  Him  whose  power  had  been 
so  sensibly  felt  amongst  us,  for  the  poor  young  woman 
was  weeping  bitterly,  and  seemed  much  affected,  and  in 
a  contrite  state.  We  had  been  to  her  cottage  once 
before  and  found  her  out,  but  I  felt  that  I  would  rather 
have  gone  many  times  over  than  have  missed  that  visit. 
Oh,  if  even  one  poor  sinner  might  be  won  to  Christ 
how  richly  would  it  compensate  for  all  that  I  have  had 
to  pass  through  in  the  performance  of  this  service.  ..." 

8th  mo.  26th,  First-day. — "Went  at  half-past  one  to 
a  beer  house  in  Back  Lane,  J.  Cadbury  as  guide.  We 
found  them  quite  disposed  to  receive  the  visit  and  to 
make  us  comfortable  in  their  way,  and  the  landlady 
and  six  others,  mostly  barge-men  and  their  wives,  sat 
down  with  us  and  were  all  solid  and  orderly.  It  was, 


76  i848-49. 

I  believe,  through  renewed  mercy,  a  satisfactory  time 
both  to  the  visitors  and  the  visited.  Then  came  the 
lodging  house  in  Calthrop  Lane,  a  place  I  had  looked 
forward  to  visiting  with  much  fearfulness,  but  now  in 
the  needful  time  I  seemed  enabled  to  trust  that  the  way 
would  be  made  and  that  we  should  be  safe  under  the 
Divine  protection  of  Him,  at  whose  bidding  we  had 
ventured  to  go  amongst  them.  A  few  hours'  notice 
had  been  given,  and  when  we  got  to  the  alley  we  found 
them  ranged  on  benches  outside,  cleaning  their  shoes, 
tidying  themselves  up,  etc.,  as  we  supposed  to  make 
ready  for  the  visit,  which  proved  to  be  the  case,  and 
being  a  few  minutes  before  our  time  afforded  us  the 
opportunity  of  witnessing  this  desire  on  their  part  to  do 
their  best  to  receive  us  in  a  friendly  way.  We  walked 
silently  through  them  into  the  large  front  room,  where 
three  or  four  benches  were  ranged  in  rows  on  each  side  of 
the  capacious  fire-place,  also  a  long  bench  in  front.  A 
few  were  in  the  room  when  we  entered,  and  the  large 
blazing  fire  over  which  hung  an  immense  copper  boiler 
did  not  convey  the  idea  of  much  want.  After  waiting 
patiently  for  a  few  minutes  the  company  began  to 
assemble  in  an  orderly  manner,  coming  in  one  after 
another,  apparently  of  all  grades  and  descriptions,  and 
of  all  ages,  from  a  baby  of  a  month  old,  to  a  grey- 
headed old  man  who  looked  as  though  he  had 
weathered  many  a  storm.  Some  were  miserably  clad 
and  very  dirty ;  others  in  appearance  quite  respectable ; 
one  tall  portly  foreigner  amongst  them.  I  believe  there 
were  in  the  room  besides  ourselves  28  grown  people, 
and  six  or  eight  children,  so  that  we  must  have  sat 
down  a  company  of  about  40,  and  there  were  also  six 
or  eight  outside  on  a  bench  under  the  window,  who 
did  not  incline  to  come  in,  but  were  quite  within  reach 


AET.  25-26.  77 

of  our  voices.  We  were  favoured  to  settle  under  a 
feeling  of  solemn  quiet  in  which  I  found  it  laid  upon 
me  to  deliver  amongst  them  not  only  the  warning  word 
but  the  message  of  mercy  and  of  love ;  and  as  one 
thing  after  another  arose  in  the  life  and  authority  of 
the  Truth  to  communicate  amongst  them,  the  feeling 
of  solemnity  that  was  over  us  seemed  to  deepen,  and 
I  trust  it  was  a  season  that  would  be  blessed  to  very 
many.  I  could  not  feel  clear  without  bending  the  knee 
to  supplicate  for  a  blessing  and  that  they  all  might 
be  gathered  unto  Christ  their  Redeemer.  It  was  a 
memorable  time,  and  the  opportunity  as  relieving  to 
my  mind  as  any  we  have  previously  had.  We  found 
plenty  of  customers  for  the  tracts,  and  distributed  a 
large  bundle  before  leaving.  The  fresh  acknowledge- 
ment seemed  raised  that  He  who  putteth  forth  does 
go  before  and  strengthen  to  perform." 

At  the  gaol  they  had  separate  opportunities 
with  a  young  woman,  two  boys,  a  man  imprisoned 
for  forgery,  and  with  the  gaoler  and  his  wife. 
An  attempt  was  twice  made  to  visit  a  lodging 
house  kept  by  Roman  Catholics,  but  without 
success,  and  our  mother  writes  :  "  So  I  felt 
peaceful  in  leaving  it,  and  only  sent  them  some 
tracts.  I  believe  I  shall  now  feel  clear  to  return 
my  minute,  and  in  the  winding  up  of  this  arduous 
service  I  am  enabled  to  bless  and  to  praise  Him 
who  hath  been  my  Helper  in  the  time  of  need, 
longing  that  my  whole  life  may  be  dedicated 
unto  the  Lord,  who  is  only  worthy  to  be  for 
ever  loved  and  served  and  glorified  by  all  His 
works." 


1846-50. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

First  acquaintance  with  J.  B.  Braithwaite — His  visit  to 
Banbury  and  to  Sidmouth — their  engagement — Illness 
of  her  Brother  Joseph — His  death. 


IT  was  in  the  summer  of  1845  that  her  father, 
during  a  visit  to  London,  arranged  for  his 
eldest  son  Joseph  to  read  in  Chambers  with 
J.  B.  Braithwaite,  who  had  been  recommended  to 
him  as  a  law  tutor  by  his  cousin  John  Hodgkin. 
Our  father  had  been  called  to  the  Bar  in  ist  mo., 
1843,  as  a  member  of  the  Middle  Temple,  and 
was  slowly  but  steadily  working  up  the  practice 
which  made  him  so  well  known  in  later  life.  He 
was  then  living  in  his  chambers  in  Lincoln's  Inn 
a  very  retired  life,  and  was  in  the  habit  of 
spending  his  spare  moments,  as  he  does  even  to 
the  present  day,  in  private  study,  his  chief  interests 
centring  in  Church  History,  the  writings  of  the 
early  Christians,  and,  above  all,  the  study  of  the 
Bible  in  its  original  languages.  He  was  the 
youngest  son  of  Isaac  and  Anna  Braithwaite,  of 
Kendal,  the  latter  of  whom,  a  daughter  of  Charles 
Lloyd,  of  Birmingham,  was  well  known  as  a  Minister 
among  Friends,  and  had  three  times  paid  religious 


AET.  23-27.  79 

visits  to  Friends  in  America.  Our  father  was  at 
this  time  27  years  of  age,  and  an  acknowledged 
Minister  in  our  Society.  A  warm  friendship  sprang 
up  between  him  and  his  pupil,  Joseph  Gillett,  and, 
in  the  spring  of  1846,  he  came  by  invitation  to 
spend  a  few  days  with  him  at  his  home.  During 
this  visit  he  became  better  acquainted  with  our 
mother,  whom  he  had  met  at  the  house  of  John 
Hodgkin,  and  was  so  struck  with  the  charm  of 
her  personal  attractions  and  the  beauty  of  her 
consecrated  life,  that,  though  nothing  was  said  at 
that  time,  he  left  Banbury  firmly  resolved  to  win 
Martha  Gillett,  jun.,  for  his  wife.  Perhaps  the 
attraction  was  not  all  on  one  side,  for  our 
mother  records  this  visit  in  her  journal  thus  :  "A 
day  of  sweet  refreshment  and  comfort.  J.  B.  B. 
read  us  several  deeply  instructive  portions."  And 
when  he  had  returned  to  London  with  her  brother, 
she  says,  "  Our  little  circle  seems  solitary  and 
stripped,"  with  more  in  the  same  strain,  and  then 
rebukes  herself  for  murmuring,  for  she  adds,  "  no 
real  mercy  is  ever,  I  believe,  withheld  ;  we  are 
poor,  short-sighted  creatures,  and  know  not  what 
is  best  for  us,  whilst  He  who  bestows  upon  us 
every  blessing  we  enjoy,  knows  perfectly  just  what 
we  stand  in  need  of." 

In  yth  month,  1847,  her  mother  placed  in  her 
hands  a  letter  from  our  father,  expressive  of  his 
attachment,  and  containing  proposals  for  their  union. 
On  this  occasion,  to  use  her  own  words,  she  "  con- 
sented, though  not  without  conflicting  feelings,  to 


8o 


1846-50. 


my  dear  parents  sending  a  negative  reply  to 
J.B.B."  This  he  wisely  declined  to  accept  until  he 
had  been  allowed  a  personal  interview.  During 
the  whole  period  that  the  matter  was  under  con- 
sideration we  find  the  constant,  earnest  breathing 
of  her  soul  regarding  it  was — "  Shew  me  Thy 
way,  O  Lord,  and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path." 
Later  in  the  summer,  when  the  family  were  at 
Sidmouth,  in  Devonshire,  our  father  was  invited  to 
come  down  for  a  few  days,  their  intercourse  at 
that  time  ending  in  what  was  practically  an  engage- 
ment to  each  other.  It  seemed,  however,  best, 
from  prudential  considerations,  to  delay  their  mar- 
riage for  nearly  four  years.  This  long  delay 
was  a  trial  of  faith  and  patience,  but  they  were 
both  earnestly  desirous  of  waiting  for  the  right 
time,  and  were  especially  anxious  that  no  outward 
considerations  should  stand  in  the  way  of  any 
service  which  their  Lord  and  Master  might  be 
calling  for  at  their  hands.  They  were  each  of 
them  engaged  several  times  during  these  years  in 
travelling  with  minutes  for  religious  service.  From 
the  very  first  it  was  their  greatest  wish  to  be 
one  another's  helpers  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 
Our  dear  mother  writes,  after  one  of  our  father's 
visits  to  her  at  Banbury  : — "  The  time  we  have 
lately  passed  together  has  been  very  sweet,  and 
I  more  and  more  feel  how  richly  I  am  blessed 
in  having  in  him  such  a  precious  helper.  May 
we  together  be  enabled  to  serve  and  glorify  our 
dear  Redeemer  all  the  days  of  our  life."  That 


AET.  23-27. 


8i 


this  prayer  was  granted  all  those  who  have 
known  them  during  their  married  life  can  testify. 
It  was  their  joy  to  know  in  a  lengthened  ex- 
perience the  fulfilment  of  the  promise,  "  Seek  ye 
first  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  His  righteousness, 
and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto  you." 

In  the  spring  of  1848,  Joseph  Gillett's  health 
became  very  delicate,  and  the  family  were  sud- 
denly plunged  into  deep  sorrow  by  receiving  the 
information  that  on  consulting  Dr.  Thomas  Hodgkin 
he  pronounced  the  symptoms  to  be  those  of  rapid 
consumption,  and  advised  his  returning  home  im- 
mediately. Martha  Gillett  started  at  once  for 
London  to  fetch  her  son,  and  thus  describes  his 
condition  in  a  letter  to  her  husband. 

"  Dear  Joseph  seems  much  pleased  to  see  me,  and 
very  earnest  to  return  home  to-morrow,  but  we  cannot 
fix  any  plan  till  we  see  Dr.  Hodgkin.  He  looks  sadly, 
and  his  cough  brings  considerable  pain  in  his  side. 
J.B.B.  is  exceedingly  kind  and  anxious  to  do  all  he 
can.  He  has  kept  a  fire  in  his  down-stairs  room  that 
Joseph  may  not  feel  the  change.  Dr.  Stroud  confirms 
the  previous  opinion  of  Dr.  Hodgkin  and  Henry  Galloway 
that  dear  Joseph's  chest  is  diseased,  and  expressed  his 
fears  that  the  complaint  is  making  rapid  progress. 
They  wish  him  to  return  with  me  to-morrow." 

Our  mother  writes,  under  date  5th  mo.  24th, 
1848  : — "  My  beloved  brother  reached  us  at  5 
o'clock.  He  looks  much  altered,  yet  still  bright 
and  cheerful,  so  that  it  seems  almost  difficult  to 
realize  his  state.  .  .  .  The  doctors  give  us 
very  little  hope  of  his  recovery,  and  say  that  the 


82 


1846-50. 


complaint  is  making  rapid  progress.  The  left  lung  they 
consider  incurably  diseased,  and  the  other  slightly  so." 

This  unexpected  illness  of  the  dearly-loved 
eldest  son  and  brother  was  a  very  great  trial  to 
all  the  family.  He  was  so  affectionate  and  so 
talented,  and  had  besides  given  such  evidence 
that  he  had  yielded  his  heart  to,  the  love  of 
Christ  his  Saviour,  that  they  had  looked  forward 
to  his  future  as  full  of  promise,  but  they  were 
enabled  to  accept  it  both  for  him  and  for  them- 
selves as  amongst  the  "  all  things "  which  were 
working  together  for  their  good.  In  the  letter 
from  which  we  have  already  quoted  his  mother 
writes: — "We  are  much  privileged  in  having -so 
many  kind,  sympathizing  friends,  but  above  all, 
it  is  an  unspeakable  favour  to  have  the  mind 
stayed  on  the  Lord  and  to  seek  for  resignation 
to  His  divine  will ;  and  although  to  our  finite 
comprehension  His  ways  are  mysterious,  yet  I 
believe  we  can  both  acknowledge  that  they  are 
perfect  and  just." 

The  illness  proved  more  lingering  than  had 
been  anticipated,  the  change  to  the  country  air 
and  the  comforts  and  careful  nursing  which  he 
was  able  to  enjoy  at  home  seeming  for  a  time 
to  revive  him  ;  although  he  varied  very  much, 
and  they  were  never  able  to  entertain  hopes  of 
his  ultimate  recovery.  In  the  summer  of  1849, 
accompanied  by  his  mother  and  brother  Charles, 
he  spent  nearly  six  weeks  at  Ben  Rhydding,  in 
Yorkshire,  with  the  hope  that  the  fresh  air  of 


AET.  23-27.  03 

the  hills  would  be  beneficial,  but  these  hopes 
were  disappointed,  and  he  returned  home  looking 
"  altered  for  the  worse  since  he  left."  The  follow- 
ing winter — 1849-50 — was  a  time  of  very  close 
nursing  and  constant  anxiety  on  his  account,  and 
very  early  in  the  spring  it  became  evident  that 
he  was  declining  fast.  Under  date  2nd  mo.  23rd, 
1850,  our  mother  writes  : — "  My  dearest  brother 
Joseph  has  been  in  an  extremely  sinking  state 
throughout  the  day,  and  we  have  watched  him 
with  anxious  solicitude,  thinking  many  times  he 
would  scarcely  survive  through  it,  but  his  life  is 
still  continued,  and  with  it  to  us  the  privilege  of 
in  some  small  measure  participating  in  the 
happiness  and  the  heavenly  calm  which  seems  to 
be  spread  around  him." 

2nd.  mo.  25th. — "Dear  Joseph  still  gets  weaker.  He 
expressed  himself  very  sweetly  to  my  dear  mother  this 
afternoon.  I  have  several  times  remembered  of  late 
what  my  dear  cousin  John  Hodgkin  had  to  express  to 
him,  "that  the  dumb  tongue  would  be  loosened."  It 
has  truly  seemed  so  of  late  in  a  remarkable  degree, 
and  we  desire  to  thank  Thee,  O  Father  of  mercies 
for  the  evidence  granted,  and  feel  that  Thou  art  pre- 
paring for  a  place  of  rest  in  Thy  glorious  Kingdom 
this  dear,  cherished  object  of  our  fondest  love." 

3rd  mo.  2nd. — "  My  dear  mother  and  I  sat  up  with 
dearest  Joseph  through  last  night,  which  was  one  of 
extreme  restlessness,  evidently  the  prelude  to  his 
approaching  change.  He  had  the  iO3rd  Psalm  read  to 
him.  This  morning  he  is  worse.  Oh,  that  the  ever- 
lasting arms  may  be  underneath  for  our  support." 
Evening. — "My  precious  brother  is  now  safely  released 


§4  1846-50 

from  all  his  sufferings.  We  have  been  privileged  to 
watch  around  him  through  the  day,  and  were  all  witfy 
him  at  the  close.  He  was  many  times  moved  from 
the  bed  to  the  easy  chair  and  then  back  again,  his 
breathing  being  very  distressing.  About  three  we  laid 
him  on  the  bed  for  the  last  time,  and  soon  after 
he  kissed  my  dear  mother,  who  was  sitting  beside 
him,  saying,  "Farewell,"  then  beckoned  for  us  each 
to  come  to  him  one  by  one,  and  took  leave  of  us.  .  .  . 
A  heavenly  feeling  deemed  to  pervade  the  room  as  we 
watched  his  gently  departing,  happy  spirit,  which  was  most 
peacefully  released,  almost  without  a  struggle,  about  half- 
past  five  o'clock,  and  we  thankfully  believe  that  he  is 
now  gathered  through  redeeming  love  into  that  glorious 
city,  none  of  whose  inhabitants  can  say,  "I  am  sick," 
and  where  all  tears  are  wiped  for  ever  away." 

3rd  mo.  6th. — "  I  have  been  spending  a  sweet 
time  by  the  dear  remains.  I  think  I  never  saw  death 
look  more  beautiful :  the  heavenly  expression  of  the 
countenance  seems  to  proclaim  that  all  is  peace,  that 
the  happy,  liberated  spirit  is  at  rest  for  ever  with  the 
redeemed  of  the  Lord.  .  .  ." 

3rd  mo.  8th. — "  The  day  of  the  interment  of  my 
precious  brother  and  a  memorable  time.  ...  A 
heavenly  feeling  covered  us  as  we  stood  around  the 
grave,  and  the  same  precious  covering  continued  over 
us  when  we  went  into  the  Meeting  House.  Before 
retiring  to  rest  in  the  evening  my  dearest  J.B.B. 
offered  the  tribute  of  thanksgiving  and  praise  for  all 
the  mercies  vouchsafed  both  to  him  who  is  removed 
from  amongst  us  and  to  us  who  remain.  It  was  a 
tendering,  sweetly  refreshing  season,  and  seemed  to 
crown  the  whole.  What  shall  we  render  unto  Thee, 
O  Lord,  for  all  Thy  benefits?  All  that  is  within  me 
desires  to  bless  for  ever  Thy  holy  Name." 


AET.  23-27. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Religious    Visit    to    Ireland    accompanied    by     Deborah 
Beesley — Qth  mo.  26th,  1850,  to  2nd  mo.  3rd,  1851. 


IN  the  autumn  of  this  year  our  dear  mother 
again  felt  called  forth  into  the  field  of  active 
service,  and  although  the  bereavement  they 
had  so  recently  passed  through,  and  her  own 
approaching  marriage  made  her  shrink  from  the 
publicity  which  such  work  involved,  she  was 
again  made  willing  to  go  forward  in  simple 
obedience  to  the  divine  leadings,  and  thus  after 
much  conflict  on  the  4th  of  9th  month,  1850, 
she  writes  : — "  Our  Monthly  Meeting  at  Sibford — 
My  dear  friends  liberated  me  by  certificate  to 
visit  the  Meetings  of  Friends  in  Ireland,  and 
the  families  in  some  places,  and  also  to  perform 
such  other  service  there  as  may  appear  to  be 
called  for  at  my  hands."  She  was  away  nearly 
five  months,  being  closely  occupied  the  whole 
time.  Family  visits  were  paid  in  nearly  all  the 
meetings;  and  as  there  were  not  then  many  rail- 
roads, much  of  the  travelling  was  by  coach  or  by 
Irish  cars,  often  over  rough  roads,  and  was  slow 
and  fatiguing.  There  are  still  many  of  the 
older  Friends  who  cherish  warmly  the  remem- 


86 


1850-51. 


brance  of  this  visit,  and  who  can  testify  that 
the  earnestness  of  her  youthful  consecration  and 
the  power  of  the  Gospel  message  which  she 
preached  made  a  deep  impression  on  many 
hearts.  The  realization  of  her  own  weakness 
and  unworthiness  led  her  to  seek  to  keep  near 
to  the  true  source  of  strength  and  to  feel  her 
need  of  divine  guidance,  and  of  the  fresh 
anointing  for  each  day's  service.  Her  diligence 
in  the  work  and  her  earnest  desire  to  be 
faithful  to  all  that  was  required  will  be  best 
shown  by  some  extracts  from  her  journal  during 
this  visit. 

Her  friend  Deborah  Beesley  was  her  com- 
panion in  this  journey,  which  our  mother  felt 
to  be  cause  for  thankful  rejoicing.  They  left 
Banbury  on  the  26th  of  Qth  month,  1850,  her 
brother  Charles  accompanying  them  to  Ireland, 
and  remaining  over  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at 
Carlow,  after  which  he  returned  home.  In  her 
journal,  speaking  of  their  stormy  passage  from 
Holyheacl  to  Dublin,  she  writes  : — 

"As  I  lay  tossing  on  my  pillow,  towards  the  close  of 
the  passage,  I  thought  if  such  joy  were  felt  on  getting 
near  an  outward  port  how  far  would  it  be  exceeded 
when  nearing  the  haven  of  everlasting  rest." 

Their  first  service  in  Ireland  was  at  Carlow, 
where  they  attended  Leinster  Quarterly  Meeting, 
and  spent  a  few  days  in  family  visits.  They 
then  went  forward  to  Kilnock,  the  home  of 
Mary  James  Lecky,  and  thence  to  New  Garden 


AET.  27-28.  °/ 

and  Ballitore,  at  which  latter  place  they  remained 
some  days  visiting  families. 

loth  mo.  ;th,  1850. — "  Left  Ballitore  under  a  feeling 
of  quiet  peace  for  which  I  feel  thankful.  Travelled  about 
sixty-two  English  miles  to  Enniscorthy,  which  place  we 
reached  about  six  in  the  evening.  I  had  a  sweet  ride, 
meditating  on  the  goodness  of  the  Lord." 

loth  mo.  8th. — "Passed  almost  a  sleepless  night  from 
pain  in  my  face — very  low  about  myself,  and  thoughtful 
and  anxious  about  those  I  have  left  behind.  Attended 
the  Monthly  Meeting  here  and  paid  seven  visits  to 
the  families  during  the  day." 

loth  mo.  Qth.— "At  Enniscorthy.  Attended  the  week 
day  meeting — a  relieving  time.  The  rest  of  the  day 
was  closely  occupied  in  family  visits." 

loth  mo.  loth. — "At  meeting  at  Ballitore,  in  which 
I  had  much  close-searching  labour  without  feeling  much 
if  any  relief,  yet  I  desire  to  leave  it,  believing  the 
faithful  servant  must  be  willing  often  to  labour  without 
seeing  the  fruit,  and  often  without  being  given  to  feel 
that  any  good  has  been  done." 

loth  mo.  nth. — "At  Cooladine  meeting  to  my  com- 
fort. Felt  sweet  unity  with  the  Friends  there,  and 
above  all  the  sweet  incomes  of  heavenly  love  to 
the  tendering  of  my  spirit  before  the  Lord.  It  was 
hard  to  part  with  some  of  the  Friends  of  this  meeting, 
and  yet  I  was  thankful  to  move  another  step  forward 
on  the  journey.  Came  on  to  Randalsmills  in  the 
evening  and  had  a  small  but  comfortable  meeting  in 
the  sitting-room  at  Joseph  William's  house,  which  has 
been  registered  as  a  meeting-house  for  more  than  160 
years." 

From  Cooladine  they  proceeded  to  Wexford 
where  they  attended  two  meetings  and  paid  12 


1850-51. 

family  visits.  Many  of  these  visits  involved 
travelling  considerable  distances,  as  the  families 
were  much  scattered  in  the  country  neighbour- 
hoods. The  next  entry  illustrates  this. 

loth  mo.  I5th. — "Left  Wexford  early  this  morning 
and  went  seven  miles  into  the  country  to  breakfast 
with  Mary  Pool  and  her  family,  with  whom  we  had  a 
sitting  afterwards,  and  then  went  four  miles  further  to 
see  an  aged  couple,  not  members,  whom  I  did  not 
feel  easy  to  pass  by.  We  found  them  in  great 
affliction,  the  wife  confined  to  her  bed  and  in  a 
dangerous  state.  The  visit  seemed  seasonable  and 
proved  relieving  to  my  own  mind.  From  this  we 
travelled  another  four  miles  and  visited  a  young  woman 
living  in  a  solitary  situation  much  shut  out  from  Friends. 
We  then  proceeded  twelve  miles  further  to  Ross, 
arriving  about  tea  time,  and  in  the  evening  had  a 
meeting  with  the  few  Friends  there." 

From  Ross  they  went  on  by  steamer  down 
the  river  Barrow  to  Waterford.  The  prospect  of 
a  visit  to  the  families  of  Friends  in  this  large 
Meeting  appeared  very  formidable  to  her.  She 
wrote  afterwards  : — 

loth  mo.  26th. — "  Completed  the  visits  in  Waterford 
meeting,  having  had  altogether  77  sittings.  Some  of 
these  have  been  deeply  exercising  to  my  mind.  Close 
searching  labour  was  my  portion  amongst  these,  but  the 
Lord  made  a  way  for  the  entrance  of  what  was  given  me 
to  hand  forth,  so  that  it  was  agreeably  received,  and  some 
evinced  much  tenderness.  May  they  not  slight  this 
fresh  visitation.  My  spirit  travails  for  their  welfare  and 
desires  their  prosperity,  and  that  every  mist  of  darkness 
may  be  removed  from  before  their  eyes  that  they  may 


AET.  27-28.  09 

both  see  and  follow  the  things  that  make  for  their  peace. 
My  lot  was  also  cast  amongst  some  precious  ones  in 
this  meeting,  who  are  engaged  nobly  to  stand  for  the 
Lord  and  for  His  cause.  I  was  thankful  to  be  permitted 
to  enter  into  sympathy  and  feeling  with  these,  and  had 
to  labour  for  their  encouragement.  The  retrospect  of 
the  service  in  this  meeting  is  attended  with  peaceful 
feelings,  though  I  am  sensible  of  many  shortcomings, 
and  have  abundant  cause  to  acknowledge  that  I  am 
but  an  unprofitable  servant.  It  seemed  very  pleasant 
this  evening  to  move  another  stage  forward  on  the 
journey,  though  into  fresh  service." 

From  Waterford  they  proceeded  to  Clonmel, 
stopping  for  one  night  at  Portlaw  to  visit  Joseph 
and  William  Malcolmson.  At  Clonmel  she  again 
felt  called  to  pay  family  visits,  of  which  she  writes  : 

loth  mo.  29th. — "Had  sixteen  sittings,  some  of  them 
seasons  of  renewed  favour,  yet,  notwithstanding,  I  feel  this 
evening  much  discouraged.  One  of  the  sittings  to-day  was 
a  silent  opportunity  with  a  young  couple  who  made  a  gay 
appearance — words  seemed  withheld,  and  I  dare  not  move 
except  of  necessity." 

3oth. — "Paid  fifteen  more  family  visits,  moving  along 
under  a  painful  sense  of  poverty  and  weakness,  yet  the  Lord 
mercifully  helped  from  season  to  season,  and  the  retrospect 
of  the  day  is  attended  with  feelings  of  quiet  peace." 

nth  mo.  2nd. — "  Favoured  to  come  to  the  close  of  the 
service  in  Clonmel  this  evening,  having  paid  sixty  visits  in 
that  meeting.  One  of  the  visits  this  morning  was  deeply 
affecting  to  my  mind.  It  was  to  a  poor  young  man  who 
had  been  a  very  dissipated  character,  and  who  now  seems 
very  near  his  close.  .  .  .  On  taking  him  by  the  hand  to 
leave  he  said,  '  Indeed,  I  don't  care  about  it,  I  am  tired  of 


9° 

it  all.'  I  was  much  overcome,  and  said,  'but  thou  wouldst 
wish  to  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  wouldst  thou  not  ?  > 
Tears  filled  his  eyes  as  he  grasped  my  hand  and  earnestly 
rejoined 'Oh  yes.'  I  do  hope  some  little  impression  was 
made,  and  that  this  dear  young  man  may  yet  find  mercy  as 
at  the  eleventh  hour." 

4th. — "Left  Clonmel  with  feelings  of  humble  thank- 
fulness— travelled  about  forty  English  miles  to  Youghal. 
Had  a  religious  opportunity  in  the  family  where  we  lodged 
in  the  evening." 

5th. — "Attended  the  little  Meeting  at  Youghal,  con- 
sisting of  about  fifty  members.  It  was  a  relieving  time. 
We  made  a  few  calls  afterwards  and  dined  early,  travelling 
by  coach  to  Cork,  where  we  arrived  about  seven  in  the 
evening.  I  was  conscious  of  fresh  exercise  of  spirit  in 
coming  into  this  place.  Oh  that  the  Lord's  will  may 
alone  be  done,  whatever  I  may  have  to  suffer.  We 
were  kindly  received  at  Samuel  and  Jane  Newsom's. 
I  feel  it  a  favour  to  have  such  a  home  provided  in  a 
strange  land." 

8th  and  gih. — "  Closely  engaged  in  the  family  visits. 
Marvellously  helped  along  and  favoured,  though  moving 
under  a  sense  of  abounding  weakness,  to  feel  thus  far 
that  I  am  in  my  right  place  in  this  very  humiliating 
service.  Oh  how  much  is  there  to  pass  through  in  going 
from  family  to  family  amongst  the  high  and  low,  the 
rich  and  the  poor.  What  a  diversity  of  states  to  have 
to  feel  for  and  enter  into.  The  poor  servant  can  only 
move  in  safety  under  the  direction  of  heavenly  wisdom." 

nth  mo.  i5th. — "This  evening  paid  the  last  and 
ninety-fifth  visit  in  Cork  Meeting.  The  Lord  has  helped 
me  hitherto,  my  soul  can  gratefully  testify,  and  may  I 
not  trust  that  He  will  yet  condescend  to  help  me  all  my 
journey  through." 


AET.  27-28.  91 

i6th. — "Left  Cork  at  eleven,  and  reached  Limerick 
about  half-past  three.  Dear  Jane  Newsom  very  ac- 
ceptably our  companion." 

After  visiting  the  families  of  Friends  in  Limerick 
she  visited  Roscrea,  Birr  (where  in  a  small  meet- 
ing she  mentions  having  a  time  of  renewed  favour) 
and  Knockballymaher,  and  thence  proceeded  by 
Mountrath  and  Rathangan  to  Dublin  on  their  way 
north  to  Belfast,  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
for  Ulster  Province.  On  nth  mo.  29th,  our  mother 
writes  :  "I  entered  Belfast  with  fear  and  trembling  : 
can  it  be  that  I  shall  leave  it  with  rejoicing  ? 
Oh  for  an  increase  of  faith."  Here,  in  addition 
to  the  family  visits,  she  felt  that  she  could  not 
pass  by  the  flax-spinners,  of  whom  there  were  a 
great  number.  In  the  prospect  of  this  she  writes  : 
11  I  have  desired  that,  if  it  is  indeed  the  Lord's 
requiring,  some  one  may  be  raised  up  to  unite 
with  me,  and  my  mind  has  been  much  turned 
to  dear  William  Green." 

1 2th  mo.  2nd. — "We  took  tea  with  Ralph  Green,  his 
wife,  and  sister.  .  .  .  After  tea  I  had  an  opportunity  with 
Jacob  Green,  Wm.  Green  and  John  Pirn,  jun.,  to  whom  I 
mentioned  my  concern  about  the  flax  spinners,  and  they  all 
encouraged  me  to  faithfulness,  dear  Wm.  Green  adding 
that  if  way  opened  he  thought  he  should  feel  easy  to 
come  and  bear  me  company  in  the  engagement,  which 
felt  confirming  to  my  mind." 

The  meeting  was  accordingly  held  ;  it  was 
attended  by  about  300,  many  of  the  masters  as 
well  as  the  workers  being  present.  It  was  a  very 
satisfactory  occasion. 


92  1850-51. 

ioth. — "We  left  Belfast  about  four  and  travelled  by 
railway  and  car  to  this  place,  Lower  Grange,  where  a 
meeting  is  appointed  for  to-morrow." 

1 2th. — "  Attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Lisburn, 
and  in  the  afternoon  visited  the  School." 

I4th. — "A  comfortable  night's  rest  in  dear  Jacob 
Green's  "little  cabin"  as  he  calls  it,  which  has  seemed 
to  me  like  a  little  Bethel.  After  breakfast  we  spent 
some  hours  at  Brookfield  school,  which  is  only  a  short 
distance  from  J.  Green's  residence.  The  arrangements 
in  the  house  and  on  the  premises  are  very  comfortable, 
and  everything  seemed  to  be  in  beautiful  order.  Fifty- 
one  children  were  in  the  school,  with  whom  and  their 
care-takers  we  had  a  favoured  religious  opportunity. 
Whilst  we  were  there  a  violent  storm  of  wind  and 
rain  came  on,  and  just  as  we  were  about  mounting 
on  the  car  a  considerable  fall  of  mortar  off  the 
front  of  the  house  frightened  the  horse  and  caused 
it  to  start  off,  but  it  was  soon  quieted,  and  as 
we  were  not  in  the  car  at  the  time,  we  experienced 
a  merciful  preservation  from  harm.  We  returned  to 
Lisburn  in  the  afternoon.  " 

After  finishing  the  service  at  Lisburn  they  re- 
turned by  way  of  Belfast  and  Carrickfergus  in 
order  to  visit  Larne,  concerning  which  she 
wTrites  : — 

1 2th  mo.  I5th. — First-day. — "  My  mind  has  long  been 
attracted  towards  this  spot,  even  before  I  knew  what  town 
stood  there,  with  a  belief  that  I  must  have  a  public  meeting 
appointed,  to  which  the  poor  and  others  might  be  in- 
vited. I  was  made  willing  to  yield,  and  the  meeting 
was  appointed  for  seven  this  evening,  but  owing  to 
some  mistake,  the  notices  were  printed  for  eight  o'clock, 


AET.  27-28.  93 

which  seems  a  providential  circumstance,  since  with 
making  all  the  haste  we  could,  we  did  not  reach  Larne 
until  half-past  seven.  It  is  a  place  on  the  sea  coast, 
containing  about  5,000  inhabitants,  the  road  to  it  very 
hilly,  in  some  parts  slippery  from  ice,  which  rendered 
travelling  dangerous.  The  Court  House  had  been  obtained 
and  fitted  up  for  the  meeting,  and  at  the  time  appointed 
was  thronged  with  people.  It  was  thought  about  400 
were  present,  and  many  were  obliged  to  leave  for  want 
of  room.  The  Wesleyans  shortened  their  service,  and 
some  of  them  came  to  the  meeting.  I  was  strengthened 
to  relieve  my  mind  amongst  them,  and  dear  William 
Green  was  also  engaged  in  testimony.  The  people  were 
very  attentive  whilst  we  were  speaking,  but  during  the 
time  of  silence  there  was  much  whispering,  yet  more 
solemnity  was  felt  towards  the  close,  and  they 
separated  very  quietly,  tracts  being  distributed  amongst 
them  as  they  passed  out.  It  was  the  first  meeting  of 
Friends  remembered  to  have  been  held  at  Larne. 
Our  singular  appearance  attracted  much  curiosity  as 
we  passed  along  to  the  Inn.  We  had  a  beautiful 
moonlight  ride  by  the  sea  coast  back  to  Carricktergus, 
where  we  arrived  a  little  before  12  o'clock,  and  were 
glad  to  retire  to  rest,  my  heart  humbled  under  a 
sense  of  the  mercies  bestowed." 

The  next  meeting  was  at  Hillsborough  with 
the  Friends  at  that  place,  after  which  they  went 
on  to  Rathfriland  where  they  "  sat  down  with 
the  four  individuals  who  compose  that  little 
meeting  in  their  own  sitting-room." 

Thence  they  proceeded  to  Lurgan,  Richhill,  and, 
Moyallon. 

12  mo.  i gth. — "  I  went  to  meeting  very  much  tossed, 
but  had  not  sat  there  long  before  I  had  to  rise  and 


94  1850-51. 

testify  largely  against  the  wisdom  of  man,  that  the 
kingdom  of  God  cometh  not  by  outward  observation, 
neither  is  it  lo  here  or  lo  there,  but  within  us,  quoting 
that  passage  "  for  the  Word  is  nigh  thee  in  thy  mouth 
and  in  thy  heart,"  it  is  there  that  we  must  look  for 
the  appearance  of  the  Lord  of  life  and  glory,  it  is 
there  that  we  must  watch  for  His  coming,  and  though 
His  appearance  may  often  be  so  small,  that  we  may 
be  ready  in  our  creaturely  wisdom  to  despise  it  even 
as  those  of  old  despised  His  outward  coming  when 
they  could  not  find  room  for  Him  in  the  Inn,  yet 
surely  it  is  that  unto  which  we  are  called  to  take 
heed,  as  unto  a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place, 
until  the  day  dawn  and  the  day  star  arise  in  our  hearts  ; 
and  I  had  to  invite  the  wise  ones  of  this  day  who 
are  wise  in  their  own  wisdom,  prudent  in  their  own 
counsels,  and  strong  in  their  own  strength,  to  come  as 
the  wise  men  formerly  did,  to  bring  their  offerings  and 
their  treasures  and  to  cast  all  these  down  at  the  feet 
of  Jesus  and  to  worship  before  Him,  whose  right  alone 
it  is  to  rule  and  to  reign  for  ever.  I  had  to  declare  that 
there  were  some  present  who  were  running  from  book 
to  book  for  knowledge,  and  from  teacher  to  teacher 
for  instruction.  These  were  invited  to  come  to  the  true 
teacher,  Christ  Jesus,  who  teaches  as  never  man  taught — 
much  enlargement  was  given  to  my  own  humbling 
admiration,  and  one  thing  opened  after  another  until 
through  much  close  searching  labour,  Truth  was  felt 
in  some  measure  to  have  dominion.  A  Friend  told  my 
dear  companion  afterwards  that  I  had  hit  the  nail  on 
the  head,  and  another  also  told  me  that  she  believed 
I  had  been  in  my  place  that  morning,  that  I  had 
aimed  at  that  at  which  she  had  been  hammering  and 
hammering  for  years,  and  that  it  was  a  comfort  to 


AET.  27-28.  95 

her  that  a  stranger  was  similarly  led.  I  note  this  for 
my  encouragement  in  the  future,  for  truly  the  Lord 
has  been  with  me  and  strung  my  bow  for  the  battle. 
We  dined  with  C.  &  A.  Wakefield,  at  Portadown. 
I  had  a  few  words  to  express  to  them  before  leaving, 
and  we  then  came  on  a  long  drive  of  nearly  three  hours 
to  Wm.  Barcroft's,  at  Upper  Grays,  where  we  were 
kindly  received.  I  had  some  conversation  with  him  after 
tea  respecting  our  future  movements.  The  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing occurs  at  Dublin  the  end  of  next  week,  but  my  mind 
seems  relieved  from  that  and  turned  towards  Moate  and 
Tullamore.  It  will  be  a  long  cross  country  travel  to 
reach  these  places,  but  Wm.  Barcroft  threw  no  diffi- 
culties in  the  way,  and  kindly  undertook  to  make 
arrangements,  so  that  my  path  has  cleared  far  beyond 
expectation." 

2 1 st. — "Very  low  and  afresh  made  sensible  of  my 
own  unworthiness  and  frailty.  Went  to  Cabra,  eleven 
Irish  miles  distant,  Elizabeth  Green  and  W.  J.  Bar- 
croft  our  companions.  It  is  an  allowed  meeting,  but 
not  a  recorded  one.  We  sat  down  in  the  little  room 
built  for  the  purpose,  twenty  in  number,  and  I  trust  we 
were  a  little  refreshed  together  through  condescending 
mercy.  The  Friends  there  are  very  poor,  small  farmers, 
and  some  of  them  have  one  or  two  looms.  The  cottage  to 
which  the  room  for  meeting  in  is  adjoined,  had  mud  floors, 
and  these  in  deep  holes,  the  children  without  shoes  or 
stockings,  fowls  wandering  about  in  the  bedroom  below, 
and  the  lodging  rooms  aloft  only  accessible  by  means 
of  a  ladder,  and  built  in  the  roof.  We  returned  to 
W.J.B.'s  to  dinner." 

22nd  First-day. — "  Attended  the  meeting  at  Upper 
Grange,  which  is  rather  large.  It  was  a  comfortable, 
relieving  time,  much  opened  to  communicate,  and  I 


96 


1850-51. 


believe  the  word  preached  found  entrance.  The  Meet- 
ing" House  presented  a  picturesque  appearance ;  almost 
all  the  Friends  live  at  a  distance  in  the  country,  and 
most  of  them  walk  many  miles  to  meeting.  A  large 
number  who  are  not  members  also  attend.  There  were 
a  good  many  cars  and  other  vehicles  outside,  and  the 
stable  I  think  we  were  told  held  eighteen  horses.  After 
meeting  we  rode  some  little  distance  into  the  country, 
and  visited  two  invalid  Friends." 

23rd,  Second-day. — "  Left  our  kind  host  and  hostess 
at  nine  this  morning,  and  with  James  G.  Richardson 
as  guide  travelled  by  post  chaise  several  stages  to 
Cootehill,  where  we  arrived  about  half-past  four  and 
received  a  kind  and  cordial  welcome  from  Isaac  and 
Ann  Chapman.  We  attended  the  meeting  at  Cootehill 
at  six  in  the  evening." 

24th,  Third-day. — "After  an  early  breakfast  and  a 
comfortable  religious  opportunity  with  I.  and  A.C.  we 
left  Cootehill  at  seven  o'clock  and  had  a  long  cross 
country  ride  to  Moate,  a  distance  of  about  seventy  English 
miles.  We  had  to  pass  through  very  bleak,  desolate 
country,  cabins  and  people  looking  miserably  poor, 
almost  more  so  than  I  have  yet  seen  in  Ireland,  at 
least  for  so  long  a  distance  together.  We  were 
favoured  to  accomplish  the  journey  safely,  and  reached 
Moate  about  half-past  seven  in  the  evening,  where  we 
were  kindly  received  by  W.  C.  Clibborn  and  his  wife. 
I  felt  tired  and  weary  and  was  glad  to  retire  early  to 
rest." 

25th,  Fourth-day. — "Attended  the  meeting  at  Moate 
in  the  morning.  I  had  to  warn  against  unfaithfulness 
and  to  encourage  to  faithfulness,  and  to  tell  Friends  in 
the  course  of  my  communication  that  one  upright 
pillar  was  made  a  strength  to  the  whole  building, 


AET.  27-28.  97 

whilst  a  support  that  leaned  was  in  danger  of  letting 
down  the  whole  house.  I  had  to  rise  twice  on  this 
subject  and  left  them  with  a  peaceful  mind." 

26th. — "Attended  the  meeting  at  Tullamore  to  some 
comfort.  Afterwards  came  on  to  Edenderry,  a  long  ride. 
I  felt  glad  to  be  a  little  quiet  in  my  own  room  this 
evening." 

27th. — "  Came  on  to  Mountmellick,  a  four  hours1 
ride,  and  received  a  kind  welcome  from  dear  Susan 
Pirn  and  her  husband.  I  have  believed  for  some  time 
that  the  service  of  family  visits  would  be  again 
required  in  this  meeting,  and  I  have  had  to  enter 
upon  this  engagement  under  a  renewed  humbling  sense 
of  my  own  unworthiness,  and  that  I  can  of  myself  do 
nothing  to  promote  the  Lord's  glory." 

ist  month  2nd,  1851. — "Left  Mountmellick  and 
travelled  to  Monkstown,  near  Dublin,  where  I  this  day 
entered  upon  a  family  .  visit  to  the  members  of  that 
meeting.  It  has  cost  me  much  suffering  to  give  up 
to  this  service,  but  I  desire  to  be  resigned  to  my 
Heavenly  Father's  will.  If  He  sees  meet  He  can 
make  use  of  the  weak  things  of  this  world  to  confound 
the  wisdom  of  the  wise,  that  the  glory  may  be  all  His 
own." 

They  spent  four  or  five  days  here  and  then 
proceeded  to  the  Newry  Bridge  Hotel,  near 
Wicklow. 

ist  mo.  8th.  —  "Attended  meeting  at  Wicklow, 
where  we  were  favoured  with  a  refreshing  season 
amongst  the  few  Friends  in  that  place,  the  great 
Minister  of  Ministers  being  amongst  us." 

9th. — "  Came  to  Dublin  and  rested  through  the 
day." 


98  1850-51. 

loth. — "Attended  meeting  in  this  city.  At  the  close 
I  laid  before  Friends  my  prospect  of  visiting  them  in 
their  families,  which  was  feelingly  united  with." 

1 2th,  First-day. — An  open  time  at  meeting  this 
morning  in  addressing  several  states  present.  I  had 
to  hand  encouragement  to  many  of  the  dear  young 
people,  amongst  whom  there  are  not  a  few,  I  believe, 
made  willing  to  shew  themselves  on  the  Lord's  side." 

Our  mother  remained  in  Dublin  from  the  Qth 
of  ist  month  to  the  3rd  of  2nd  month,  1851, 
closely  occupied  in  visiting  families,  and  attending 
the  meetings  as  they  came  in  course.  On  2nd 
mo.  2nd,  she  writes  : — 

First-day  evening. — "  At  the  close  of  the  morning 
meeting  I  was  enabled  to  take  a  solemn  leave  of 
Friends,  bidding  them  '  Farewell  in  the  Lord?  Con- 
cluded the  family  visits  this  evening,  219  in  all  in  this 
city." 

3rd. — "Left  Dublin  under  feelings  of  quiet  peace  a 
little  before  eight  this  morning.  Several  Friends  accom- 
panied us  on  board,  and  saw  us  off  in  the  *  Cambria ' 
steamer  for  Holyhead,  which  place  we  were  favoured 
to  reach  in  safety,  after  a  passage  of  about  five  hours, 
in  which  we  suffered  but  little  from  sea-sickness, 
which  I  felt  a  favour.  Samuel  Bewley,  jun.,  was  our 
guide,  and  accompanied  us  as  far  as  Bletchley,  the 
station  for  Banbury,  where  we  parted,  and  were  per- 
mitted to  reach  home  about  12  o'clock  that  night, 
having  to  commemorate  the  goodness  and  mercy  which 
have  followed  us  in  all  our  journeyings." 


AKT.  27-28.  99 


CHAPTER    IX. 

Yearly  Meeting  of  1851 — Selection  of  a  home  in  London 
— Her  Father's  illness — Preparations  for  her  Mar- 
riage —  The  Wedding  Day  —  Letter  from  Anna 
Braithwaite — M.B.'s  retrospect  of  the  day — The 
Wedding  Tour — Keswick,  Scotby,  Kendal — Return 
home. 


ON    her    return    from    Ireland    early    in    1851, 
our   mother  felt    at  liberty    to   look  forward 
to  the  following   autumn   as    the   right   time 
for  her  marriage  with  J.  B.  Braithwaite,  and  began 
to   be   busy  with   the   necessary   preparations.       In 
the     spring     of    this    year     she     was     appointed 
representative    to    the    Yearly    Meeting,   and    went 
up     to     London     a     few     days     earlier     to     make 
arrangements  for  her  future   home.       In    reference 
to   this   she  writes  : — 

5th  mo.  i4th,  1851. — "My  dearest  J.B.B.  met  me 
at  the  station,  and  we  went  together  to  look  at  several 
houses.  Oh,  how  earnestly  have  I  craved  right  direc- 
tion in  this  very  important  step,  and  I  trust  through 


100  X8Si. 

mercy  it  will  be  granted.  We  both  liked  the  first 
house  we  went  over,  a  small  one,  in  Mornington  Road, 
and  were  sensible  of  a  comfortable  feeling  in  it,  which 
leads  me  to  believe  it  may  be  the  right  place  for  us 
to  pitch  our  tent  in  for  a  little  while.  How  remark- 
able if  it  should  be  so,  and  that  in  this  large  city  our 
feet  should  be  at  once  first  directed  to  the  spot  prepared 
for  our  future  home." 

I5th. — "Again  engaged  in  London  through  the  day 
looking  over  houses.  Went  in  the  evening  with  my 
dearest  J.B.B.  to  Clapton  to  take  tea  with  his  brother 
and  sister  Savory.*  It  was  my  first  introduction  to 
them,  and  looked  formidable  in  prospect,  but  I  felt 
much  comforted  in  the  visit.  A  sweet,  uniting  feeling- 
prevailed,  and  I  trust  may  continue  to  subsist  between 
us.  They  have  six  lovely  children." 

After  looking  over  a  great  number  of  houses 
in  London  and  the  neighbourhood,  they  finally 
decided  on  the  one  they  first  looked  at,  No.  65r 
Mornington  Road,  near  the  Regent's  Park;  "with 
which  conclusion,"  our  mother  writes,  "  I  feel 
comfortable,  and  peaceful,  and  thankful  that  the 
way  has  been  so  made  for  us." 

Isaac  and  Anna  Braithwaite  were  in  attendance 
at  this  Yearly  Meeting,  and  she  much  enjoyed 
mingling  with  them  and  with  many  other  dear 
Friends,  and  the  meetings  were  felt  to  be  times  of 
refreshment  and  blessing.  She  returned  to  Banbury 
on  6th  mo.  2nd,  and  on  the  8th  she  writes  : — 

*  J.B.B.'s  twin  sister,  Mary  Caroline,  had  married  Joseph  Savory. 


AET.28.  1 01 

"Whilst  sitting  in  meeting  this  morning,  after  Friends 
had  collected  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour,  my 
precious  father  was  seized  with  apoplexy.  Friends 
almost  unanimously  rose  from  their  seats  and  were 
very  kind  in  affording  what  assistance  they  could.  My 
dear  mother  and  the  rest  of  us  were  favoured  to  feel 
remarkably  calm.  I  supported  him  nearly  the  whole  time. 
As  soon  as  he  could  be  moved  he  was  carried  home 
in  a  chair  and  put  to  bed." 

There  was  a  slight  rallying,  but  the  same  day 
a  second  severe  attack  increased  their  anxiety, 
and  for  a  time  they  thought  the  end  had  come. 
He  continued  very  ill  for  several  days.  On  the 
I2th  our  mother  writes: — 

"  Dr.  Hodgkin  has  been  with  us  last  evening  and 
this  morning,  and  gives  us  great  encouragement,  but 
says  we  must  still  watch  closely.  To-day  my  dear 
father  asked  how  it  was  he  was  in  bed,  when  he  was 
taken  ill,  etc.,  and  said  he  did  not  remember  anything 
about  it." 

20th. — "My  precious  father  continues  much  the 
same ;  his  mind  seems  filled  with  heavenly  thoughts, 
and  he  is  kept  in  a  sweet,  patient,  resigned  state.  I 
trust  he  may  be  spared  to  us  in  infinite  mercy  a  little 
longer." 

22nd. — "Again  at  home  this  morning  with  my  beloved 
father,  with  whom  I  have  felt  it  a  privilege  to  be. 
His  mind  seems  so  absorbed  with  the  things  of  eternity 
that  he  seems  like  one  preparing  for  a  better  world, 
yet  the  medical  attendants  give  us  hopes  that  his  days 
on  earth  will  be  prolonged." 


IO2  I85i. 

From  this  time  he  steadily  improved,  and 
although  never  again  able  to  resume  the  active 
duties  of  life,  their  anxiety  about  him  was  relieved, 
and  our  mother  was  again  able  to  go  forward 
with  the  preparations  for  her  marriage  which  had 
been  interrupted  by  his  illness.  In  all  these,  as 
in  regard  to  the  choice  of  a  home,  it  was  her 
earnest  desire  to  keep  close  to  her  heavenly  guide. 
This  is  beautifully  expressed  in  the  following  extracts 
from  her  journal  : — 

6th  mo.  i4th,  1851. — "I  feel  it  very  important, 
amidst  the  new  anxieties  and  cares  which  are  now 
pressing  upon  me,  to  endeavour  to  have  all  kept  in 
subjection  under  the  regulating  power  of  the  Spirit  of 
Truth ;  that  Christ,  my  Saviour,  may  still  have  the 
chief  room  in  my  heart,  may  still  govern  there,  and  be 
there  glorified." 

6th  mo.  28th. — "Whilst  making  the  needful  prepara- 
tions for  my  future  dwelling,  the  language  has  often 
arisen  in  my  mind,  '  See  that  thou  make  all  things 
according  to  the  pattern  shewed  to  thee  in  the  Mount/ 
It  has  seemed  to  convey  deep  instruction,  and  the 
revival  of  it  has  often  restrained  desires  which  I  believe 
are  better  kept  under  than  allowed  to  rule.  Oh,  that 
I  may  be  preserved  in  all  things  in  simplicity  and 
moderation,  adorning  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  my  Saviour, 
in  all  thing's." 

In  those  days  the  marriage  arrangements 
among  Friends  were  very  complicated,  and  involved, 
amongst  other  things,  the  young  couple  going 


AET.28.  103 

together  into  both  the  men's  and  women's  meet- 
ing of  the  Monthly  Meeting  to  which  the  bride 
belonged  and  laying  their  intentions  before  their 
friends.*  This  was  as  formidable  an  opportunity 
as  the  actual  solemnization  of  the  marriage,  and 
is  thus  described  by  our  mother  : — 

7th  mo.  23rd,  Fourth-day. — "  Awoke  under  a  sweet 
sense  that  my  Heavenly  Father  would  be  graciously 
near  me  this  day,  and  I  felt  strengthened  in  endeavour- 
ing to  commit  all  to  Him.  After  attending  the  meeting 
for  worship  of  the  adjourned  Monthly  Meeting,  my  dearest 
J.B.B.  and  myself  went  into  the  women's  and  men's 
meetings  and  declared  our  intentions  of  marriage.  Best 
help  was  sweetly  felt  to  be  near,  and  the  seal  of 
divine  approbation  seemed  permitted  to  rest  upon  us 
in  the  quiet  peace  that  was  felt  then  and  through  the 
day.  My  dear  parents,  dear  Charles  and  Elizabeth, 
accompanied  us  into  both  meetings.  It  was  almost 
more  than  I  expected  to  have  my  dear  father  present; 
when  I  look  back  on  the  past  it  seems  more  than  I 
can  realize." 

3 1  st. — "  This   day   I   have    paid    many    farewell  visits 

amongst  the  poor    people.      Many  of    them  were  much 

affected,     and   I   felt    the    parting    a    good    deal,  for  if 

they    have    loved    me,    I    can    truly    say  I    have  loved 

them   in   return.      I    only  mourn  that   I   have    not  better 

improved  the   many  opportunities   I    have   had   of  doing 
them   good." 

*  In  earlier  days  the  usages  of  Friends  required  this  proceeding  to  be 
repeated  twice,  so  anxious  were  they  to  avoid  any  appearance  of  clandes- 
tine proceedings.  Since  1851  the  proceedings  have  been  made  as  simple  as 
possible,  and  provision  has  been  made  by  which  persons  who  are  not 
members  of  the  Society  can  avail  themselves  of  the  beautiful  marriage 
usages  of  Friends. 


104  i8si. 

8th  mo.  1 4th. — "  On  going"  into  my  own  chamber  this 
morning  to  put  together  a  few  of  my  things  in  readiness 
for  packing,  the  thought  of  leaving  my  dear  home  seemed 
almost  overpowering,  but  sitting  down  in  stillness  for  a 
few  minutes  with  my  mind  turned  inward  to  the  Lord, 
the  spirit  of  supplication  was  poured  forth  and  I  was 
engaged  to  petition  for  a  blessing  on  myself,  my  dearest 
friend,  on  us  and  all  ours.  Heavenly  love  was  sweetly 
felt,  accompanied  by  the  assurance  that  all  will  be 
well." 

8th  mo.  24th,  First-day. — "  Very  mingled  are  the 
feelings  of  my  heart  this  day  in  looking  upon  it  as 
likely  to  be  the  last  First-day  spent  here  whilst  I  am 
a  member  of  the  home  circle— yet  at  meeting  this 
morning  I  have  been  favoured  to  feel  so  comfortable 
a  sense  of  the  Lord's  sustaining  help  that  I  feel  as 
though  I  could  commit  all  the  future  unto  Him  and 
His  disposal,  not  doubting  but  that  I  shall  be  cared 
for  still,  spiritually  and  temporally.  I  can  gratefully 
set  up  my  Ebenezer  and  acknowledge  that  hitherto 
the  Lord  hath  helped  me.  Oh,  that  I  may  walk  worthy 
of  His  love  and  fatherly  care.  I  have  had  to  review 
the  past  and  to  feel  sensible  of  many  shortcomings, 
and  yet  I  humbly  trust  I  have  endeavoured  to  be 
found  in  the  way  of  my  duty,  though  often  under  much 
discouragement,  and  that  there  will  be  peace  in  looking 
back  to  the  years  spent  in  this  meeting.  Thou 
knowest,  O  Lord,  that  I  have  desired  to  love  Thee 
above  all.  Be  pleased  to  be  with  me  still  in  the  way 
that  I  go,  and  let  Thy  candle  shine  round  about  my 
path." 

27th,  Fourth-day. — "  A  little  after  six  in  the  morning. 
I  feel  it  sweet  to  sit  down  in  quietness  and  once  more 


AET.  28.  105 

pen  a  few  lines  in  this  way  before  entering  into  one  of  the 
most  solemn  and  important  engagements  of  my  life, 
one  in  which  I  have  earnestly  desired  to  seek  heavenly 
guidance,  and  in  which  I  trust  I  shall  be  permitted  to 
realize  the  unspeakable  blessedness  of  knowing  the  Lord 
to  guide  and  direct  my  ways.  My  thoughts  this 
morning  have  been  turned  to  the  contemplation  of  how 
short  a  span  life  is  when  weighed  in  the  balance  with 
eternity,  and  I  have  longed  that  it  may  be  spent  to 
my  Redeemer's  praise.  May  I  live  less  unto  myself 
and  more  unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  be  pleased  in  Thy 
mercy  to  prepare  me  for  a  place  in  that  kingdom 
where  love  and  praise  shall  be  for  ever  my  blessed 
employ." 

With  such  thoughts  in  her  heart,  the  morning 
of  her  wedding  day  dawned  fair  and  bright.  Our 
father  with  his  parents,  and  many  other  relatives 
and  friends  had  arrived  the  previous  evening.  The 
marriage  took  place  in  the  little  Meeting  House  in 
the  Horse  Fair  at  Banbury,  which  was  crowded  to 
its  utmost  capacity,  as  was  also  the  road  between 
the  Meeting  House  and  her  home,  only  a  short  dis- 
tance away.  The  bride  and  bridegroom  both  wore 
the  plain  Quaker  costume  of  the  times,  as  did  also 
most  of  the  wedding  party.  The  bride  had  on  a 
dove-coloured  silk  dress  and  plain  bonnet  and  a 
white  silk  shawl.  As  the  distance  between  the  house 
and  the  place  of  meeting  was  so  short  that  they 
could  easily  walk  they  would  have  thought  it 
inconsistent  with  gospel  simplicity  to  make  use  of 
her  father's  beautiful  carriage  and  horses,  so  the 
bridal  procession  set  out  on  foot,  our  mother 


io6 


1851. 


walking  with  her  father,  while  the  spectators 
literally  strewed  flowers  along  their  pathway,  in 
token  of  their  love  for  the  bride  and  sorrow  at 
losing  her,  as  well  as  to  express  their  good  wishes 
for  her  future  happiness. 

A  letter  from  Anna  Braithwaite,  dated  from 
Kendal,  Qth  mo.  iQth,  1851,  says  in  referring  to 
this  event,  "  Our  son,  Joseph  Bevan,  was  married 
on  the  2yth  of  the  8th  month.  The  wedding  day 
was  a  season  which  will  be  comforting  to  look 
back  upon  during  the  remainder  of  life.  We 
reached  our  dear  friend,  Joseph  Ashby  Gillett's, 
at  Banbury,  the  previous  afternoon,  and  were 
warmly  greeted  by  dear  Martha  and  all  her  family. 
John  Hodgkin  and  many  other  Friends  from  a 
distance  kindly  evinced  their  love  by  their  presence 
on  the  important  occasion.  We  met  for  reading 
before  breakfast,  and  our  spirits  were  solemnized 
and  comforted  together.  The  crowded  meeting 
was  a  season  of  favour,  the  young  people  spoke 
with  reverence,  deep  feeling,  and  audibly,  and  the 
effect  on  the  hearers  was  to  be  felt ;  tears  flowed 
from  many  eyes  ;  several  Friends  were  engaged 
in  powerful  ministry,  and  after  the  certificate  was 
signed  by  Bevan  and  Martha,  there  was  an  impres- 
sive silence,  followed  by  fervent  prayer  from  a  dear 
Friend  for  them,  and  for  all  present.  The  relations 
afterwards  signed,  and  another  solemn  pause  pre- 
ceded the  company  retiring  from  the  Meeting 
House,  leaving  all  at  liberty  to  put  down  their 
names  who  might  incline  to  do  so. 


AET.  28.  107 

"  The  bridal  pair  looked  peaceful  and  thankful, 
and  all  the  large  company  assembled  at  the  house 
appeared  at  ease.  A  plain,  plentiful  dinner  was 
placed  before  us,  and  social  converse  flowed  sweetly 
under  the  restraining  influence  of  heavenly  love. 

"A  favoured  religious  opportunity  preceded  the 
departure  of  the  bride  and  bridegroom,  who  went 
in  her  father's  carriage  towards  the  North.  They 
spent  a  week  among  the  Lakes,  and  have  since 
enjoyed  our  peaceful  abode  at  Scotby.  We  expect 
them  to  our  Quarterly  Meeting  on  the  2nd  of 
next  month." 

Our  mother's  own  review  of  the  day,  written 
at  Scotby,  9th  month  5th,  is  as  follows  : — 

"  The  27th  of  last  month — that  to  me  memorable  day 
is  past — and  since  a  week  of  almost  unmixed  happiness 
has  been  enjoyed.  When  I  look  back  my  heart  is 
humbled  in  gratitude,  thanksgiving  and  praise  under  a 
sense  of  the  tender  dealings  of  the  Most  High  with  me, 
His  poor  and  very  unworthy  child.  My  cup  has  been 
made  to  overflow  with  blessings,  and  no  earthly  good 
has  been  denied.  Infinite  Wisdom  has  seen  meet  to 
bless  me  with  a  kind,  tender,  and  affectionate  husband 
as  the  sharer  of  my  joys  and  sorrows,  and  the  dear 
companion  with  whom  I  may  travel  forward  in  my 
journey  towards  the  land  of  rest  until  it  shall  please 
the  Lord  by  death  to  dissolve  our  endearing  earthly 
union,  that  one  that  is  eternal  may  follow  after.  Our 
marriage  day  was  calm  and  peaceful  throughout.  At 
meeting,  before  we  stood  up  to  take  each  other  in 
marriage,  my  mind  was  comforted  and  soothed  by  the 


io8  1851. 

language  being  brought  with  great  sweetness  to  my 
remembrance,  '  My  presence  shall  go  with  thee,  and  I 
will  give  thee  rest.'  The  Meeting  House  was  very  full, 
many  strangers  being  present,  besides  a  large  company 
of  friends  and  relatives.  I  hope  it  was  a  season  of 
profit  and  renewed  visitation  to  many.  Joshua  Lamb, 
John  Hodgkin,  and  my  dear  mother  Braithwaite  were 
each  severally  engaged  in  testimony.  My  precious 
husband  and  myself  stayed  the  first  night  at 
Leamington,  and  the  next  day  came  forward  to 
Milnthorpe,  and  then  spent  a  week  among  the  most 
beautiful  part  of  the  Lake  District, — a  week  to  be 
remembered  while  memory  lasts,  and  one  to  which  I 
believe  we  shall  always  look  back  with  thankfulness. 
We  were  twice  at  the  little  meeting  at  Colthouse  on 
First-day,  and  I  hope  were  preserved  in  our  right 
places  and  enabled  to  keep  close  to  our  Divine  Master 
both  in  the  exercise  of  our  gifts  and  in  some  visits 
we  paid  to  some  of  our  friends.  On  Third-day  we  paid 
a  very  agreeable  visit  in  the  course  of  our  journeyings 
to  our  dear  cousin,  Mary  Wilson.  On  Fifth-day  we 
attended  the  week-day  meeting  at  Penrith  to  which  my 
beloved  husband  had  felt  his  mind  attracted  for  some 
time.  He  had  a  remarkably  open  time  amongst  them, 
and  shone  brightly  in  his  precious  gift  to  his  Master's 
praise.  Yesterday  we  came  to  this  sweet,  quiet  spot, 
the  late  abode  of  our  cousin,  Lydia  Sutton.  The  rest 
and  the  quietness  of  the  place  is  refreshing  to  me 
beyond  what  I  can  describe." 

9th  mo.  3Oth. — "We  are  preparing  to  leave  this  sweet, 
quiet  place  to-morrow  for  Kendal,  after  being  here  a 
month  within  one  day,  during  which  time  we  have  had 
much  sweet  enjoyment  in  each  other,  I  hope  never  to 


AET.28.  109 

be  forgotten.  Our  cup  of  joy  has  been  full,  and  we 
have  been  blessed  together  in  a  manner  marvellous  in 
our  eyes.  Oh,  may  there  be  on  our  part  some  return 
of  gratitude  and  love.  Our  time  during  our  stay  here 
has  been  very  closely  occupied  in  preparing  for  the 
press  the  life  of  our  late  dear  friend,  Joseph  John 
Gurney — a  weighty,  arduous,  yet  deeply  instructive 
engagement." 

loth  mo.  ;th. — "After  spending  a  very  pleasant  time 
amongst  our  dear  relations  at  Kendal,  where  we  were 
often  favoured  to  feel  our  hearts  united  in  the  bonds  of 
heavenly  love,  we  came  on  to  this  place  (Birmingham) 
to-day,  on  our  way  home.  On  arriving  we  were  told  of 
the  very  affecting  removal  of  William  Southall's  wife* 
after  a  few  days'  illness.  They  were  married  the  day 
after  ourselves,  and  were  with  us  at  Meeting  at  Colt- 
house  on  the  First-day  afterwards;  dear  E.  S.  then 
looked  particularly  sweet  and  lovely.  This  event  seems 
to  come  very  close  home  to  us,  and  is  a  fresh  lesson  of 
the  very  great  uncertainty  of  all  things  here." 

8th. — "At  Banbury,  where  it  is  delightful  once  more 
to  feel  myself  at  home  after  being  absent  just  six  weeks." 

9th. — "  We  left  Banbury  about  ten  this  morning,  after 
a  delightful  little  visit  there,  and  accompanied  by  dear 
Hannah  Mary,  and  Elizabeth,  reached  our  new  home 
in  London,  65,  Mornington  Road,  to  dinner.  My 
precious  Bevan  and  myself  spent  a  short  time  before  dinner 
alone  in  our  own  chamber,  when  I  felt  constrained  to 
supplicate  for  a  blessing  on  us  and  all  ours,  and  to  crave* 
that  we  might  be  enabled  to  order  our  household  in  the 

*  She  was  the  daughter  of  John  Allen,  of  Liskeard  in  Cornwall. 


no 


1851. 


fear  of  the  Lord,  and  might  be  strengthened  to  live  to 
His  glory.  It  was  like  entering  again  into  covenant, 
and  oh,  saith  my  soul,  that  our  covenants  may  be  kept. 
Our  dear  parents  were  here  to  welcome  us,  and  had  put 
our  house  in  beautiful  order.  Oh,  how  many — how  very 
many — are  the  mercies  bestowed." 


AET.28.  HI 


CHAPTER  X. 

65,  Mornington  Road — Settling  in — Letter  to  her  mother — 
Hospitality — Family  visits  in  Westminster  Monthly 
Meeting — Yearly  Meeting  of  1852 — Vist  to  Scotby — 
Birth  of  her  first  child— Visit  to  Banbury — Death  of 
her  father — "Recollections"  of  her  father. 


THE  home  to  which  our  father  and  mother 
returned  after  their  marriage  was  in  a  very 
pleasant  part  of  London,  near  to  Regent's 
Park  and  about  two-and-a-half  miles  from  West- 
minster Meeting,  of  which  they  were  members. 
It  was  one  of  a  number  of  semi-detached  villa 
houses,  each  standing  in  its  own  little  garden, 
the  trees  and  flowers  giving  it  a  very  pleasant, 
suburban  appearance.  Still  it  was  London  and  a 
great  change  for  our  dear  mother  from  the  life 
of  the  quiet  country  town  which  had  hitherto 
been  her  home  ;  but  she  entered  at  once  with 
great  diligence  into  all  the  duties  and  responsi- 
bilities of  her  new  position.  A  letter  to  her 
mother,  written  a  few  days  after  their  return 
from  Scotby,  gives  a  pleasant  picture  of  her  in 
her  new  home,  and  tells  how  busy  she  was  in 
receiving  her  bridal  callers  and  other  guests. 


U2  I85i. 

"Mornington    Road,  loth   mo.    I4th,    1851. 
"  My  beloved   Mother, 

"  Thou  wilt,  I  know,  be  glad  to  hear  that  I  am  already 
feeling  comfortably  settled  in  my  comfortable  home.  Our 
cup  has  seemed  to  be  filled  with  fresh  mercies  day  by 
day,  of  which  I  feel  very  unworthy,  and  it  is  my  earnest 
desire  that  I  may  be  yet  more  fully  dedicated  to  the 
service  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  who  hath  thus  given  me 
all  these  things  so  richly  to  enjoy.  It  felt  quite  a  fresh  trial 
to  part  from  thee  and  my  dear  father  yesterday  morning. 
Your  being  here  on  our  arrival  was  a  very  great  comfort 
to  me,  and  I  cannot  express  how  grateful  I  feel  for  all 
you  have  done  for  us.  I  hope  you  had  a  pleasant  journey 
home,  and  found  my  dear  brothers  all  well.  We  watched 
you  from  our  little  garden,*  which  I  very  much  enjoy. 
I  have  gathered  two  small  nosegays  from  it  this  morning 
for  the  dining  room. 

"  Our  sister  Annaf  came  about  twelve  yesterday  morning. 
We  had  only  one  caller  (Richenda  Barclay)  and  twelve 
friends  to  tea  besides  ourselves,  amongst  them  George  and 
Mary  Stacey,  Edward  Fry,  Thomas  Hodgkin,  Jun.,  William 
Fowler,  Ann  Penn  Foster.  They  all  seemed  thoroughly  to 
enjoy  themselves  and  quite  at  ease,  and  we  got  through 
very  comfortably.  The  young  men  assisted  with  the 
dessert,  etc.,  in  handing  it  round,  so  that  we  had  no 
trouble,  and  before  leaving,  the  female  part  of  the  com- 
pany went  over  the  house,  even  down  into  the  kitchen. 
This  morning  we  have  at  present  had  no  callers ;  my 
dear  husband  is  gone  to  Lincoln's  Inn,  but  intends  coming 


*  This  garden  looked  over  the  railway  lines,  and  the  passing  trains 
could  easily  be  seen  over  the  fence  at  the  end.  Later,  holes  were  made  in 
this  fence  through  which  the  children  used  to  watch  them  with  great 
delight. 

f  Anna  Braithwaite,  Jun. 


AET.  28.  H3 

back,  as  he  did  yesterday,  about  one  o'clock.  Our 
brother  Chariest  came  about  half-past  five  this  morning, 
and  is  now  gone  to  the  Exhibition.  I  have  had  the  sofa- 
bed  made  up  in  the  dressing-room  for  him.  Ellen  and 
I  got  up  at  four  this  morning  to  get  ready  to  receive 
him,  and  got  him  a  comfortable  breakfast.  Dear 
Elizabeth,  though  I  did  not  call  her,  was  down  about 
five,  and  helped  me  nicely,  as  I  had  set  to  make  pies. 
We  put  the  dessert,  cakes,  jellies,  etc.,  ready  before 
breakfast,  and  afterwards  I  took  dear  H.M.,  and  E.  with 
me  shopping  for  about  an  hour.  H.M.  is  now  lying 
on  the  sofa  asleep  beside  me.  I  think  she  seems  almost 
more  poorly  than  before  my  marriage.  I  hope  the 
change  here  may  be  of  some  little  use.  I  shall  take 
all  the  care  I  can  of  her. 

"Afternoon,  four  o'clock. — The  box  and  thy  welcome 
letter  are  just  received.  We  are  rejoiced  to  hear  so  nice 
an  account  of  you.  We  have  had  a  constant  succession 
of  callers  since  about  twelve  o'clock,  and  scarcely  been 
able  to  get  our  dinner.  Cousin  Mary  Gibbins  and  Sarah 
Tunstall  stayed  all  the  time.  We  have  heard  of  several 
coming  to  tea." 

It  is  very  striking  in  looking  back  to  see  how 
our  dear  mother  lived  as  one  ever  on  the  watch  to 
embrace  opportunities  of  serving  her  Lord,  realizing 
it  to  be  one  of  her  greatest  privileges  to  have 
her  house  used  in  His  service,  and  seeking  to 
become  personally  acquainted  with  the  members 
of  the  large  meeting  at  Westminster  and  other 
members  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  into  which 
she  had  come.  During  the  first  week  after  coming 

i  Charles  LI.  Braithwaite. 


"4  i852. 

to  their  new  home  she  mentions  that  "  we  have 
had  about  100  of  our  dear  friends  to  tea  with 
us,  and  have  spent  very  agreeable,  pleasant 
evenings  together"  ;  and  although  these  large  com- 
panies were  rather  unusual,  there  is  hardly  a 
week  in  the  course  of  which  mention  is  not 
made  two  or  three  times  of  "  several  friends " 
coming  to  tea,  or  of  some  friends  or  relations 
coming  to  stay  with  them.  From  the  very  first 
both  our  dear  parents  felt  it  a  great  joy  that 
their  house  should  be  a  resting-place  for  the 
Lord's  messengers,  and  many  have  been  the 
Friends  travelling  in  religious  service  who  have 
there  had  a  loving  welcome  and  gone  on  their 
way  refreshed  and  strengthened  by  the  sympathy 
and  counsel  received.  From  the  time  that  they 
set  up  housekeeping  their  "  spare  bedroom "  was 
very  rarely  unoccupied,  and  even  when  that  was 
full  our  dear  father  would  invite  others  to  come, 
his  heart,  as  we  used  to  tell  him,  being  larger 
than  his  house,  so  that  it  often  required  no  small 
power  of  management  as  well  as  quietness  of 
spirit  on  our  mother's  part  to  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  for  the  comfort  of  her  guests,  and 
to  be  at  liberty,  as  she  always  was,  to  extend 
to  them  a  loving  and  cordial  welcome. 

Very  soon  after  settling  in  London,  in  the 
2nd  month  of  1852,  Martha  Braithwaite  united 
with  Caroline  E.  Parkin  in  paying  over  100 
family  visits  to  the  members  and  attenders  of 
Westminster  Meeting  ;  a  service  which  seemed 


AET.  29.  H 

very  formidable  to  her  in  prospect,  but  which 
was,  no  doubt,  richly  blessed  both  to  those 
visited  and  to  herself,  giving  her,  as  it  did,  an 
insight  into  the  religious  state  and  spiritual  needs 
of  those  with  whom  she  was  now  so  much 
associated,  and  thus  enabling  her  to  enter  into 
sympathy  with  them  and  help  them,  and  in  fact 
giving  her  a  place  in  the  hearts  of  her  friends, 
which  it  might  otherwise  have  taken  years  for 
her  to  gain.  In  reference  to  this  engagement 
she  writes  :  — 

2nd  mo.  i3th,  1852.—  "  Entered  with  C.  E.  Parkin 
upon  the  family  visits  in  Westminster  Meeting*.  Eleven 
visits  paid,  all  relieving  and  satisfactory.  Truly  we 
have  been  marvellously  helped  in  the  midst  of  our 
great  weakness  ;  may  the  Lord  alone  have  all  the 
praise." 

20th.  —  "  Several  days  have  passed  over,  closely  occu- 
pied in  our  weighty  engagement,  in  which  we  have 
been  sweetly  united  and  much  favoured  with  heavenly 
help.  This  morning,  whilst  walking  down  to  the  first 
Friend  we  had  to  visit,  I  was  led  to  reflect  on  the 
position  of  a  servant  in  a  house,  that  he  is  to  wait 
on  the  guests  at  his  master's  table,  and  to  hand  to  them 
that  which  his  master  has  provided,  and  this  without 
distinction  between  rich  and  poor.  It  seemed  to  convey 
much  instruction  to  my  own  mind  and  encouragement 
to  be  simply  faithful,  and,  oh  that  I  may  be  kept 
in  the  Divine  fear  and  out  of  the  fear  of  man." 


Under  date     2nd     mo.    iQth,    1852,    she    writes 
to   her  mother  in  reference  to   this  engagement  :  — 


n6 


1852. 


"  We  get  on  rather  slowly,  on  account  of  the  Friends 
living  so  distant  from  one  another  and  dear  C.  E.  Parkin 
not  being  in  strong  health.  We  generally  leave  home 
directly  after  breakfast,  and  till  this  evening  have  not 
returned  till  quite  late.  To-day  I  got  home  at  a 
quarter  to  six.  We  have  been  mercifully  helped  along 
from  day  to  day  through  many  close  exercises  and 
conflicts,  and  have  been  often  sweetly  united  in  these 
exercises,  which  has  been  strengthening  and  confirming 
to  my  faith." 

3rd  mo.  5th,  1852. — "Last  evening  under  a  sweet 
covering  the  family  visits  were  concluded  for  the  present, 
only  a  few  more  remaining,  which  we  look  to  taking 
next  First  and  Third  days.  .  .  .  The  month  that 
has  been  passed  closely  occupied  in  these  visits  has 
been  a  time  of  renewed  instruction  and  comfort  to  my 
own  mind,  and  I  trust  my  faith  will  be  confirmed  and 
strengthened  in  the  Lord.  Many  sweet  and  heavenly 
seasons  have  been  my  portion,  and  though  I  have  had 
to  move  along  under  a  sense  of  great  unworthiness  and 
feeling  truly  as  an  empty  vessel,  and  that  continually, 
yet  I  have  been  in  this  poverty  made  so  rich,  and 
have  been  so  filled  from  time  to  time  with  the  needful 
supply,  that  I  have  scarcely  known  what  it  has  been 
to  have  an  anxious  thought  about  the  morrow,  or  even 
about  the  coming  hour.  It  has  been  marvellous  to  me 
how  . bountifully  I  have  been  dealt  with.  May  the  Lord 
have  all  the  glory,  for  I  am  unworthy  of  the  least  of 
all  His  mercies." 

The  following  entries-  refer  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  1852  : — 

5th  mo.  i Qth. — "On  our  again  meeting  together  this 
morning  (in  the  'select  meeting')  dear  Benjamin 


AET.  29.  H 

Seebohm  returned  the  certificate  granted  him  six  years 
since  for  religious  service  in  America,  giving  us  a  short 
account  of  his  labours ,  also  Robert  Lindsay,  who 
accompanied  him,  did  the  same,  and  after  the  certificates 
which  they  brought  back  with  them  had  been  read, 
Robert  Lindsay  laid  before  Friends  his  concern  to  visit 
those  professing  with  us  in  Australia  and  some  parts 
of  Africa.  Much  unity  and  sympathy  were  expressed, 
indeed,  it  seemed  the  only  feeling  which  prevailed,  and 
a  few  Friends  were  nominated  to  prepare  a  certificate. 
My  dear  sisters,  Hannah  Mary  and  Elizabeth,  came 
to-day,  and  we  expect  our  dear  father  and  mother 
Braithwaite  late  this  evening,  also  our  dear  sister,  Anna 
Braithwaite,  to  lodge  here." 

5th  mo.  30th. — "Nearly  two  weeks  have  passed  over 
since  I  last  wrote  in  this  book.  They  have  been  closely 
occupied  by  the  deep  interests  of  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
which  I  have  been  privileged  to  attend  throughout. 
We  have  had  the  company  of  Eli  and  Sybil  Jones, 
from  New  England  Yearly  Meeting,  and  Thomas  Arnett, 
from  Indiana  Yearly  Meeting,  who  has  now  nearly 
completed  his  labours  in  this  land,  and  intends  sailing 
for  America  in  a  few  days.  From  these  dear  Friends 
and  others  we  have  been  favoured  with  much  Gospel 
communication,  which  has  proved  as  showers  of  refresh- 
ing rain  falling  on  dry  ground." 

In  the  autumn  of  this  year,  our  dear  parents 
spent  six  or  seven  weeks  in  the  quiet  of  their 
father  and  mother's  country  home  at  Scotby, 
stopping  for  a  few  days  on  the  way  north 
at  Banbury,  where  our  mother  writes,  "  the  meet- 
ing with  the  beloved  home  circle  was  saddened 
by  finding  my  dear  father  just  recovering  from 


n8 


1852. 


another  attack :  he  is  now  much  better  though 
still  poorly."  She  herself  had  not  been  at  all  well 
for  some  time  past,  but,  after  resting  for  some  days 
at  Banbury,  was  able  to  take  the  long  journey 
to  Scotby,  and  the  rest  and  quiet  there  were 
very  beneficial  to  her  health.  On  their  way  home 
she  spent  about  a  fortnight  at  Banbury,  which 
she  greatly  enjoyed,  especially  the  opportunity  of 
being  with  her  dearly-loved  father,  whose  repeated 
attacks  of  illness  made  it  evident  that  his  days 
on  earth  could  not  now  be  very  many. 

She  returned  to  her  home  in  London  early  in 
the  eleventh  month  and  spent  the  winter  quietly 
there.  In  the  spring  of  1853  she  became  the 
happy  mother  of  a  sweet  little  girl,  which  event 
is  thus  recorded  in  her  journal  : — 

4th  mo.  loth,  1853. — "First-day  afternoon.  'Return 
unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul,  for  the  Lord  hath  dealt  bounti- 
fully with  thee.'  This  afternoon  I  am  sitting-  up  for  the 
first  time  since  our  precious  little  daughter  was  born,  and 
am  favoured  to  feel  returning-  health  and  strength.  I  can 
hardly  yet  fully  realize  the  possession  of  such  a  treasure. 
May  I  earnestly  seek  best  help  to  enable  me  to  train 
her  up  for  a  glorious  immortality!" 

2 1 st. — "Sat  alone  by  my  precious  babe  this  morning, 
and  poured  out  my  heart  before  the  Lord  for  her  and 
for  ourselves.  I  wish  daily,  morning  and  evening,  to 
set  apart  a  portion  of  my  time  for  waiting  upon  the 
Lord  and  to  have  this  dear  child  with  me.  May  my 
duty  as  a  parent  in  this  respect  never  be  neglected, 
but  may  I,  more  often  than  the  day,  seek  for  ability 


AET.so.  IT9 

to  bring  her  unto  Him  who  can  alone  bless  her  and 
prepare  her  to  dwell  for  ever  near  Him  both  on  earth 
and  in  heaven!" 

Our  mother  did  not  regain  her  strength  very 
quickly  and  was  consequently  unable  to  attend 
more  than  one  or  two  of  the  sittings  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting  in  5th  month  ;  but  greatly  enjoyed 
having  Isaac  and  Anna  Braithwaite  again  as  her 
guests,  besides  seeing  many  other  friends  who  were 
in  London  to  attend  the  Meetings. 

She   writes   in   her  journal : — 

7th  mo.  i ;th,  1853.  Banbury,  First-day. — "  I  arrived 
here  last  Fourth-day  evening  with  my  darling  babe, 
who  received  a  warm  welcome  from  her  dear  grand- 
parents, and  her  many  uncles  and  aunts.  I  have  found 
my  beloved  father  perceptibly  altered  and  much  more 
feeble  than  when  I  was  last  here.  He  has  been  to 
meeting  with  us  this  evening,  but  was  not  out  this 
morning,  not  feeling  very  well." 

On  the  30th  her  husband  joined  her  to  spend 
a  few  days  before  they  returned  home  together. 
On  the  3ist  she  writes  : — 

"  My  beloved  father  was  able  to  accompany  us  to 
both  meetings  to-day,  and  seemed  very  nicely." 

8th  mo.  i st. — "  My  dear  mother  and  Hannah  Mary  ac- 
companied us  to  Eatington,  where  we  spent  the  day  very 
pleasantly  amongst  our  numerous  relatives.  When  we 
reached  home  in  the  evening  we  found  my  dear  father 
had  had  a  slight  seizure  about  six  o'clock.  He  was, 
however,  better,  and  seemed  pleased  to  see  us  at  home 
again." 


120  1853. 

2nd. — "  We  parted  from  the  dear  circle  at  Banbury 
this  morning,  and  returned  to  London.  We  left  under 
very  sorrowful  feelings,  my  beloved  father  having  had 
a  rather  severe  seizure  about  three  hours  before  we 
parted  from  him,  and  he  continued  so  ill  up  to  the  time 
of  our  going  as  not  to  be  able  to  take  leave  of  us. 
The  medical  attendant,  however,  hopes  that  he  may 
rally  in  the  course  of  the  day,  and  thinks  the  attack 
not  more  severe  than  some  previous  ones,  but  I  could 
not  get  from  under  the  feeling  that  I  may  probably 
never  see  him  again  in  this  life,  or  even  should  that 
be  permitted,  that  he  may  never  again  be  able  to  give 
me  that  endearing  welcome  which  I  have  so  often 
received  on  my  return  to  that  loved  home.  My  happi- 
ness during  my  visit  there  this  time  with  my  darling 
child  has  been  very  great  and  only  clouded  by  witness- 
ing his  increasing  feebleness  and  helplessness.  I  am 
thankful  that  she  has  been  known  and  loved  by  one 
so  dear  to  me." 

3rd. — "  This  morning  I  have  received  the  account 
of  my  dear  father's  having  had  two  more  seizures 
yesterday  evening,  and  that  he  has  not  rallied  since 
we  left  him.  They  are  all  much  in  my  thoughts,  with 
earnest  desires  that  the  Lord  may  keep  them  in  this 
time  of  trial  as  in  the  hollow  of  His  hand,  and  be 
their  refuge  and  their  strength." 

Banbury,  8th  mo.  i2th,  Sixth-day. — The  account  of 
my  dear  father  was  so  poor  yesterday  that  I  prepared 
last  evening  for  leaving  home,  and  came  down  by 
the  earliest  train  this  morning  with  my  dear  baby 
and  nursemaid,  arriving  here  about  ten  o'clock.  On 
reaching  the  railway  station  I  found  that  the  mortal 
strife  was  over,  and  on  going  up  to  the  house  met 
my  beloved  mother  and  the  dear  sorrowing  circle,  all 


AET.  30.  121 

deeply  afflicted,  but  sweetly  sustained  in  quietness  and 
resignation.  My  precious  father  was  peacefully  released 
from  his  sufferings  about  a  quarter  past  ten  last  even- 
ing. His  mortal  remains  look  sweetly  peaceful,  having 
a  smile  on  the  countenance,  and  it  is  comforting  to 
follow  the  emancipated  spirit,  and  to  believe  that  he 
is  at  rest  for  ever  with  his  God." 

He  was  buried  on  the  17th  of  8th  month, 
1853,  in  the  Friends'  burial  ground  at  Banbury. 

Of  this  beloved  parent  our  mother  has  further 
written  : — 

"  To  the  poor  he  was  always  a  sympathizing  and 
true  friend,  and  he  gave  liberally  of  that  which  the  Lord 
entrusted  to  him,  but  he  was  careful  to  follow  the 
exhortation,  '  Let  not  thy  left  hand  know  what  thy 
right  hand  doeth ' — and  many  were  the  cases  helped 
in  secret  by  his  loving  counsel  and  tare.  The  Bible 
Society,  Foreign  Missions,  British  and  Foreign  Schools, 
and  other  benevolent  institutions  had  to  the  end  of  his  life 
his  warm  support ;  and  to  the  establishment  of  the  Friends' 
School  at  Sibford  he  gave  much  time  and  careful 
attention,  as  well  as  pecuniary  help.  He  was  a  diligent 
attender  of  all  our  meetings,  both  for  worship  and 
discipline,  and  in  1839  fe^  constrained  to  proclaim  unto 
others  the  love  of  his  God  and  Saviour.  His  gift  in 
the  ministry  was  recognized  by  his  friends  two  years 
later.  His  communications  were  generally  brief,  but 
accompanied  by  the  baptizing  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  He  paid  visits  to  the  poor  residing  in  Strood, 
near  Rochester,  to  the  families  of  Friends  in  his  own 
Monthly  Meeting,  and  to  the  Meetings  and  Friends  in 
Wales,  but  with  these  exceptions  he  did  not  go  from 
home  in  the  service  of  the  Gospel." 


122  I853. 

Of  his   illness   she   writes  : — 

"  His  resignation  and  cheerfulness  throughout  the 
season  of  bodily  weakness  that  followed  this  attack 
were  very  instructive  to  witness.  He  delighted  in  reading 
and  meditating  upon  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  was  often 
uttering  the  praises  of  the  Lord.  Once  he  said : 
'  Religion  is  of  the  heart,  not  of  the  lips.  I  have  been 
favoured  very  much  during  this  illness  with  humbling 
feelings  of  divine  joy ;  and  if  we  were  more  earnest 
in  seeking  the  Lord  we  should  more  generally  experience 
that  He  is  nigh  unto  them  that  seek  Him,  and  will 
be  found  of  them  that  wait  for  Him.'  And  again : 
'  My  mind  is  often  comforted  by  the  opening  of 
Scripture  passages,  and  I  hardly  know  whether  to  give 
utterance  to  them  or  to  keep  silence.'  Then  he  repeated 
the  greater  part  of  the  35th  chapter  of  Isaiah,  dwelling 
on  the  future  glory  of  the  Church  and  the  Messiah,, 
whose  peaceful  government  should  have  a  place  in  the 
hearts  of  His  people.  The  I03rd  Psalm  was  another 
favourite  portion.  Holy  joy  seemed  to  be  the  covering 
of  his  soul,  giving  evidence  to  those  around  him  that 
the  Lord,  whom  he  had  desired  to  serve  whilst  health 
and  strength  were  given,  was  near  to  uphold  and 
comfort  him  in  the  day  of  trial.  During  the  last  ten 
days  he  was  mostly  unconscious,  and  passed  quietly 
away  on  the  nth  of  the  8th  mo.,  1853,  aged  nearly 
58  years,  to  be,  we  thankfully  believe,  through  redeeming 
love  and  mercy,  for  ever  with  the  Lord." 


AET.  30.  123 


CHAPTER   XL 

Stay  at  High  Close  Farm  and  at  Kendal — Return  home 
— Visit  to  some  parts  of  Berkshire  and  Oxfordshire 
Quarterly  Meeting* — Memoir  of  J.  J.  Gurney — Car- 
riage accident  near  Sibford  —  Birth  of  another 
daughter  —  Stay  at  Scotby  —  Week-day  Meetings — 
Concern  for  her  servants — Visit  to  Banbury — Birth 
of  a  son — Stay  at  Redcar  and  visits  to  some 
Meetings  in  the  North — Diligence  in  using  present 
opportunities — Watchwords. 


OUR  mother  with  her  little  "  Martha  "  remained 
with  the  sorrowing  circle  at  Banbury  for 
more  than  two  weeks,  and  on  the  27th  of 
8th  month,  her  husband,  who  had  been  obliged 
to  return  home  after  the  funeral,  again  joined  her, 
and  they  went  on  together  to  High  Close  Farm, 
near  Langdale,  where  they  had  engaged  lodgings 
for  their  summer  vacation.  It  was  a  beautiful  spot 
in  one  of  the  most  lovely  portions  of  the  Lake 
District,  not  far  from  Grasmere,  and  about  eight 
miles  from  Colthouse  Meeting,  to  which  they  drove 
on  First-days.  On  one  of  these  occasions  she  re- 
cords : — "  I  had  brought  our  nursemaid,  who  was 
a  Friend,  with  us  ;  she  was  called  out  of  Meet- 
ing to  go  to  our  dear  little  girl,  whom  we  had 
left  at  a  cottage  near,  and  who,  finding  she  was 
with  strangers,  would  not  be  comforted.  I  allowed 


124  1853- 

this  little  circumstance  to  make  me  very  anxious, 
and,  though  I  sat  through  the  Meeting,  I  felt  it 
very  difficult  to  keep  my  mind  quietly  stayed  on 
the  Lord.  It  was  an  unspeakable  relief  after  Meet- 
ing to  find  my  dear  child  well,  and  I  earnestly 
desire  that  I  may  not  be  too  much  discouraged 
by  this  circumstance  from  the  exercise  of  a  little 
faith  on  future  occasions." 

A  letter  to  her  mother,  dated  from  High  Close, 
8th  mo.  3oth,  1853,  thus  describes  their  surround- 
ings : — 

"We  continue  to  like  our  lodgings,  which  are  in  every 
respect  very  comfortable,  and  the  country  around  us  is 
extremely  beautiful.  We  have  had  a  good  deal  of  rain, 
but  have  been  able  to  take  some  nice  walks  between  the 
showers.  You  would  be  amused  to  see  dear  baby  in  her 
papa's  arms,  carried  along  the  steep  mountain  paths, 
he  having  his  plaid  scarf  wrapped  around  him,  and  our 
little  darling,  after  being  clothed  in  her  knitted  spencer 
and  garden  bonnet  to  screen  her  from  the  wind,  almost 
entirely  enveloped  in  a  warm  travelling  wrapper.  She 
seems  greatly  to  enjoy  it,  and  often  makes  the  air  quite 
musical  with  her  little  voice." 

During  a  great  part  of  their  stay  here  our  dear 
mother  suffered  from  very  severe,  and  almost  con- 
stant neuralgic  pain  in  her  head  and  face,  which 
greatly  interfered  with  the  enjoyment  and  rest 
which  she  had  hoped  to  derive  whilst  in  this 
mountain  home.  She  writes  : — 

Qth  mo.  22nd,  1853. — "  Thankfulness  is  the  clothing 
of  my  mind  in  looking  back  on  the  time  which  has 
passed  since  I  last  wrote  in  this  book  in  feeling  how 


AET.  30.  125 

mercifully  I  have  been  sustained  and  helped  from  day 
to  day  under  almost  the  severest  suffering  I  ever  endured. 
For  a  few  days  after  the  last  entry  I  was  favoured 
to  continue  rather  better,  but  on  Sixth-day  last  the  pain 
again  returned  with  increased  violence.  For  three  days 
and  nights  my  bodily  distress  was  very  great  from  the 
pain  in  my  face,  head,  and  ear,  which  is  still  at  times 
a  cause  of  great  and  indeed  almost  constant  suffering. 
Throughout  this  trial  there  has  been  a  sweet  sense 
granted  of  the  sustaining  love  of  my  Heavenly  Father, 
and  it  is  my  earnest  desire  that  every  murmuring 
thought  that  would  arise  may  be  hushed  in  submission 
to  His  all  perfect  will.  He  knows  what  is  best  for  me, 
and  with  Him  I  feel  that  I  can  quietly  leave  the 
ordering  of  all  that  concerns  both  me  and  mine." 

25th,  First-day. — "  The  morning  proved  so  extremely 
wet  and  the  mist  so  thick  that  we  concluded  it  right 
to  give  up  going  to  Colthouse,  and  sat  down  quietly 
together,  our  nursemaid  being  with  us.  I  believe  we 
were  mercifully  favoured  with  a  little  sense  of  the 
heavenly  blessing,  and  of  His  presence  being  with  us 
in  whose  name  we  had  desired  to  gather.  In  the 
evening  we  met  with  the  family  residing  here  and  their 
farm  labourers  (which  we  have  done  almost  every 
First-day  since  we  have  been  here).  My  dear  husband, 
as  usual,  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible,  and  this  evening 
a  religious  opportunity  followed,  in  which  we  were 
engaged  to  express  the  exercise  of  our  souls  on  their 
account." 

loth  mo.  i3th. — "Our  dear  brother,  C.  LI.  Braithwaite, 
and  his  wife  joined  our  little  party  here  this  afternoon 
very  pleasantly,  intending  to  spend  a  week  here  with 


126 


1854- 


14-th. — "  I  am  penning  these  lines  whilst  my  dearest 
Bevan  is  sitting  beside  me,  busily  occupied  over  the 
memoir  of  J.  J.  Gurney,  which  has  been  an  object  of 
much  interest  to  us  during  our  stay  here,  affording  full 
and  I  trust  profitable  occupation.  May  we  be  kept  under 
a  sense  of  the  need  we  have  of  best  help  to  enable 
us  to  accomplish  this  work  to  the  Lord's  praise." 

22nd,  Seventh-day  morning. — "We  are  now  ready  for 
leaving  this  delightful  mountain  retreat,  after  spending 
eight  weeks  "here  in  true  enjoyment,  mingled  as  it  has 
been  with  some  suffering.  We  start  about  one  o'clock 
for  Kendal.  The  memoir  of  J.  J.  G.  completed  within 
about  three  chapters,  This  also  is  cause  for  humble 
thankfulness." 

Kendal,  loth  mo.  23rd,  First-day. — "  We  are  favoured 
to  be  safely  here  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  society  of 
our  beloved  relatives,  and  some  interesting  friends  from 
America,  who  are  just  now  their  guests — the  Longstreths 
and  Parsons.  Our  dear  mother  is  not  quite  so  well  as 
usual,  owing  to  the  fall  she  had  the  beginning  of  last 
week." 

Mornington  Road,  loth  mo.  2/th,  1853. — We  are  once 
more  comfortably  settled  in  this  peaceful  home.  The 
conclusion  of  our  visit  to  Kendal  was  very  sweet. 
Third-day  evening,  was  spent  at  our  brother  Robert's, 
with  a  large  company  of  relatives  and  friends,  and  before 
we  separated  a  covering  of  solemnity  spread  over  us, 
and  my  dear  husband  was  enabled  vocally  to  supplicate 
for  the  divine  blessing  upon  us.  On  the  morning 
we  left  Kendal,  after  the  reading  of  a  chapter,  our 
dear  mother  Braithwaite  was  feelingly  engaged  on  our 
behalf.  Her  health  is  very  feeble,  and  I  felt  it  sweet 
to  part  under  such  a  sense  of  the  goodness,  lovingkind- 
ness  and  faithfulness  of  the  Lord.  Our  long  journey  was 


AET.  31.  127 

accomplished  safely,  and  our  home  and  servants  looked 
all  that  we  could  wish.  My  precious  husband  spoke 
the  language  of  my  heart,  in  offering  up  thanksgiving 
after  our  reading  last  evening.  "  What  shall  I  render 
unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits?" 

A  few  months  after  returning  from  High  Close 
our  mother  believed  it  right  to  engage  in  a  re- 
ligious visit  to  Friends  in  some  parts  of  Berks 
and  Oxon  Quarterly  Meeting.  She  was  accom- 
panied by  her  friend  Carolina  Norton. 

The  following   entries   refer   to   this   visit  : — 

2nd  mo.  i/th,  1854. — "  This  afternoon  I  have  parted 
with  my  precious  child,  having  sent  her  with  her  nurse- 
maid to  Banbury,  to  be  under  my  dear  mother's  care 
during  my  absence  from  home.  It  has  cost  me  much 
to  give  her  up." 

2 1  st. — "  I  parted  from  my  dear  husband  under  a  sweet 
feeling  of  peace  at  the  Paddington  Station,  and, 
accompanied  by  Thomas  and  Carolina  Norton,  arrived 
in  Reading  in  time  to  attend  their  Monthly  Meeting. 
Our  entrance  on  the  labour  before  us  has  been,  I  be- 
lieve, graciously  owned  by  the  presence  of  the  Master 
whom  we  desire  to  serve.  The  meeting  for  worship 
was  an  open  time,  wherein  ability  was  given  to 
the  poor  messengers  to  declare  the  truths  of 
the  Gospel.  Thomas  Norton  returned  home  in  the 
evening,  and  we  paid  one  family  visit." 

24th. — "  We  have  been  pursuing  our  labour  in  the 
family  visits  in  Reading  meeting; — a  humbling,  proving 
labour  for  which  renewed  baptisms  seem  again  and  again 
needed,  yet  I  have  felt  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church' 
near,  qualifying  for  His  own  work." 


128  I854. 

25th. — "  Renewed  cause  for  thankfulness  is  felt  at 
the  close  of  another  day.  The  accounts  of  my  dear 
husband  and  our  precious  child  are  cheering.  Oh  the 
blessedness  of  trusting  the  Lord  with  all,  and  what 
can  be  more  precious  than  thus  to  realize  His  fatherly  pro- 
tecting care  extended  over  us." 

On  leaving  Reading,  visits  were  paid  to  the 
meetings  and  families  of  friends  at  Henley,  Shilling- 
ford,  Faringdon,  Witney,  Charlbury,  Haddenham, 
and  Chipping  Norton.  Public  meetings  were  also 
held  in  two  or  three  places. 

On  3rd  mo.  I2th  she  writes. — "  We  now  feel  nearly 
clear  of  these  parts,  and  look  to  concluding  our  service 
at  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Chipping  Norton  to-morrow, 
from  whence  my  dear  companion  intends  to  return  home, 
while  I  go  on  to  Banbury." 

ijth. — "Again  restored  to  my  sweet  little  one;  my 
cup  seems  to  overflow  with  thankfulness  and  rejoicing. 
I  arrived  here  about  4  o'clock.  My  dear  baby  was 
brought  a  little  way  on  the  road  to  meet  me,  and  I 
believe  had  not  quite  forgotten  me." 

1 4th. — "  Greatly  have  I  enjoyed  this  day  with  my 
precious  babe.  My  joy  in  her  seems  heightened  by 
having  been  made  willing  to  give  her  up  when  it 
seemed  to  be  called  for.  I  hope  to  welcome  my 
precious  husband  in  a  few  hours.  This  evening  reminds  me 
that  another  year  of  my  life  is  nearly  brought  to  a  close. 
It  has  been  a  memorable  one  to  me,  for  it  has  been 
my  portion  in  it  to  partake  largely  both  of  the  cup 
of  joy  and  of  sorrow." 

Our  father  had  been  occupied  since  the 
beginning  of  1850  in  preparing  the  memoir  of 
Joseph  John  Gurney,  to  which  allusion  has  already 


AET.3I.  I29 

been  made,  and  our  mother  had  thrown  herself 
with  loving  interest  into  his  labours  in  connection 
with  it.  They  had  worked  at  it  together  on 
their  wedding  journey  and  during  each  summer 
vacation  since,  besides  giving  up  an  afternoon  or 
evening  to  it  whenever  other  duties  rendered  it 
possible  to  do  so.  It  is  therefore  with  feelings 
of  great  thankfulness  that  our  mother  records  : — 

5th  mo.  i8th,  1854. — "  Received  the  first  copy  of 
*  J.  J.  Gurney's  Life '  bound  from  the  publishers  this 
afternoon.  Thus  my  dear  husband's  labours  in  con- 
nection with  it  are  for  the  present  completed,  and  we 
have  now  only  to  commit  the  issue  unto  Him  who  can 
alone  prosper  the  work  of  our  hands  and  cause  His 
blessing  to  rest  upon  it." 

During  her  stay  at  Banbury  in  the  spring  our 
mother  had  been  with  several  others  in  a  serious 
carriage  accident  as  they  were  returning  from  a 
Monthly  Meeting  at  Sibford.  She  says  : — 

4th  mo.  gth,  1854. — "  We  dined  and  took  tea  at 
Sibford,  and  left  for  home  about  six  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  but  had  not  gone  more  than  two  miles  when 
the  horse  became  unmanageable,  and  in  going  down  a 
steep  hill  near  Swalcliffe  we  were  all  thrown  from  the 
carriage,  which  was  left  shattered  to  pieces  within  a 
few  yards  of  us.  My  precious  mother  was  the  most 
seriously  hurt;  but,  after  sitting  down  a  few  minutes 
by  the  road-side,  she  walked  on  with  us  to  a  cottage 
in  the  village,  where  she  was  laid  on  a  bed  and 
fomented  with  warm  water,  until  a  carriage  containing 
some  other  friends  came  up,  when  they  kindly  alighted 
and  made  room  for  us,  so  that  we  reached  home  a 

10 


130  1854- 

little  before  eight  o'clock,  when  medical  assistance  was 
obtained.  She  has  been  confined  to  bed  since  (five  days), 
except  being  dressed  for  a  short  time  last  evening,  and 
is  slowly  recovering",  which  we  feel  a  great  mercy." 

Our  mother  continued  to  feel  the  effects  of 
this  accident  all  through  the  summer,  but  with 
great  care  she  escaped  more  serious  consequences, 
and  in  the  8th  month  was  blessed  with  the  added 
joy  of  another  little  daughter,  who  was  named 
Anna  Lloyd.  As  soon  as  our  mother's  strength 
was  sufficiently  restored  to  render  the  long  journey 
suitable,  the  whole  family  went  to  the  house  at 
Scotby,  accompanied  by  Martha  Gillett,  who  had 
been  for  some  weeks  in  London  with  her  daughter. 
Her  presence  was  a  great  comfort  and  help,  as 
our  father  was  frequently  absent  for  several  days 
at  a  time,  being  engaged  in  a  religious  visit  to 
Cumberland i  and  Westmorland  Quarterly  Meetings, 
and  the  baby  was  very  delicate  and  the  cause  of 
many  wakeful  nights  and  anxious  days  to  the  dear 
mother,  whose  own  health  was  not  yet  fully 
re-established.  In  spite  of  these  drawbacks  they 
enjoyed  the  peaceful  quiet  of  Scotby,  and  all 
derived  benefit  from  their  stay  there.  Martha 
Gillett  left  them  on  the  nth  of  loth  month,  and 
on  the  1 3th  they  went  to  Kendal  to  spend  a 
week  with  Isaac  and  Anna  Braithwaite  before 
returning  home. 

Martha  Braithwaite's  time  was  now  very  fully 
occupied  with  home  duties  and  the  care  of  her 
children.  Her  own  health  was  not  strong,  refer- 


AET.  31.  I31 

ence  being  frequently  made  in  her  journal  to 
attacks  of  pain  in  her  face,  which  often  lasted 
for  days  together  and  were  very  wearing.  She 
also  had  frequent  tedious  colds  with  a  "  trouble- 
some cough "  and  many  disturbed  nights.  Amidst 
much  weakness,  and  with  what  would  have 
appeared  to  many  ample  reasons  for  staying  at 
home,  she  never  allowed  anything  short  of  absolute 
necessity  to  interfere  with  her  attendance  of  the 
meetings  for  worship  both  on  First-days  and  in 
the  middle  of  the  week,  and  her  ministry  in  these 
was  much  blessed  :  whilst  for  herself  she  records 
again  and  again  having  gone  "  under  much  dis- 
couragement" but  feeling  thankful  that  the  effort 
'  had  been  made,  and  acknowledging  that  her  strength 
had  been  renewed  in  thus  assembling  with  her 
friends  to  wait  upon  the  Lord.. 

Her  servants  were  the  constant  objects  of 
earnest  religious  concern,  and  she  may  truly  be 
said  to  have  "  watched  for  their  souls  as  one  who 
must  give  account."  A  few  extracts  from  her 
journal,  selected  almost  at  random  from  the  many 
which  bear  upon  this  subject,  may  perhaps  best 
illustrate  how  fully  she  made  their  interests  her 
own  and  how  anxious  she  was  to  bring  a  right 
influence  to  bear  upon  their  lives. 

"  I  feel  the  responsibility  of  having  servants  under 
my  care,  and  I  have  been  brought  this  evening  into 
much  secret  exercise  on  their  account,  desiring  that 
nothing  I  may  do  or  say  may  be  as  a  rock  of  oifence 
unto  them  or  in  any  wise  hinder  their  spiritual  progress." 


132  I855. 

On    returning   home   after  an   absence   of  some 
weeks  : — 

"I  have  had  much  comfort  to-day  in  finding  the  con- 
duct of  our  servants  has  been  so  satisfactory  during 
my  long  absence.  May  it  be  a  fresh  encouragement 
often  to  wrestle  in  prayer  on  their  account  for  the 
divine  blessing  and  to  discharge  my  important  trust 
faithfully  towards  them.  They  come  to  us  to  spend  the 
strength  and  prime  of  their  days  in  our  service.  How 
ought  we^to  watch  for  their  highest  interests,  and  how 
earnestly  should  we  seek  in  no  way  to  hinder  them 
from  the  service  of  their  heavenly  Master." 

And   again  : — 

"  As  it  regards  our .  servants  I  feel  a  great  weight 
of  responsibility.  I  have  had  much  pain  on  account  of 
one  of  them  this  week  and  have  made  it  a  subject  for 
prayer  that  her  heart  may  be  changed,  and  then  the 
fruits  of  righteousness  will  assuredly  shine  forth." 

And   on   another   occasion  : — 

"  My  dear  husband  and  myself  felt  it  right  to  speak 
very  seriously  to  one  of  our  servants  this  evening, 
whose  conduct  has  been  a  source  of  trial  and  anxiety 
for  some  time  past.  I  trust  a  feeling  of  love  for  her 
was  the  clothing  of  our  minds  in  thus  feeling  it  needful 
to  offer  the  word  of  reproof.  We  also  had  a  little 
opportunity  with  our  other  servant  alone,  encouraging  her 
to  seek  to  dwell  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  and  to  set  a 
good  example  to  those  around  her.  I  feel  humbled 
under  a  sense  of  my  own  shortcomings  in  the  per- 
formance of  my  duty  towards  them,  and  desire  renewedly 
to  seek  help  from  above." 


AET.32.  133 

7th  mo.  5th,  1856. — "  This  afternoon  we  had  a 
parting  opportunity  with  our  dear  nursemaid,  Lucy 
Appleton,  who  has  been  with  us  about  four  years,  and 
a  faithful  helper  to  us  and  most  tender  caretaker  of 
our  precious  little  ones.  She  is  leaving  us  to  be 
married.  May  the  Lord  abundantly  reward  and  richly 
bless  her.  I  can  hardly  think  of  her  leaving  us  without 
tears — it  comes  so  closely  home  to  me.  I  have  loved 
her  like  a  dear  friend." 

Martha  Braithwaite  enjoyed  attending  many  of 
the  sittings  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  1855,  during 
which  Isaac  and  Anna  Braithwaite,  Charles  LI. 
Braithwaite,  and  her  sister  Elizabeth  were  their 
guests.  After  its  conclusion  she  went  with  her 
two  children  and  their  nursemaid  to  spend  a  month 
at  Banbury,  and  soon  after  her  return  home  was 
called  upon  to  spare  her  husband  for  four  or  five 
weeks  to  visit  the  meetings,  and  in  some  places  the 
families  of  Friends,  in  the  Quarterly  Meetings  of 
Essex  and  Suffolk.  The  visit  occupied  longer  than 
was  at  first  anticipated ;  so  that  he  had  not 
returned  when  another  treasure  was  added  to  their 
Jhome  in  the  birth  of  a  little  son.  Our  mother 
writes  respecting  him  : — 

"I  have  every  way  very  much  cause  for  thankful- 
ness— I  desire  to  be  enabled  to  dedicate  him  to  the  Lord, 
that  'as  long  as  he  liveth  he  may  be  lent  to  the 
Lord,'  having  no  higher  blessing  to  crave  for  him  than 
that  he  may  be  employed  in  His  service  for  ever  on 
•earth  and  in  heaven." 

In  the  autumn  of  1856  our  dear  parents  felt 
it  on  their  hearts  to  visit  some  of  the  meetings 


134  i8S6. 

and  Friends  in  Yorkshire,  Northumberland,  and 
Westmorland,  and  although  they  did  not  look  to  a 
sufficiently  definite  service  to  ask  for  a  certificate 
from  their  meeting  yet  they  planned  their  autumn 
holiday  with  this  end  in  view. 

8th  month  22nd,  1856 — Our  mother  writes :  "  This 
morning  we  left  London  with  our  three  darling-  children, 
my  dear  sister  and  our  nursemaid,  and  after  a  safe 
journey  find  ourselves  comfortably  housed  this  evening 
at  our  dear  cousin  Edward  Pease's  (at  Darlington), 
who  in  his  90th  year  is  wonderfully  bright  and  active. 
He  came  down  to  the  station  to  meet  us  with  all  the 
energy  of  a  much  younger  man.  His  company  has 
been  very  sweet  and  animating." 

23rd — "  Came  on  to  Redcar,  where  my  dear  brother 
Charles  preceded  us  yesterday,  and  settled  into  lodg- 
ings— our  sitting-room  commanding  a  full  view  of  the 
sea.  The  sands  here  are  firm  and  good,  and  if 
favoured  with  health  1  think  we  shall  much  enjoy  the 
place." 

They  spent  a  fortnight  at  Redcar,  from  which 
place  they  visited  their  relatives,  John  and  Sophia 
Pease,  of  Ayton,  attending  the  meeting  there  and 
also  spending  some  time  at  the  School.  The  three 
children  with  their  nurse  and  aunt  then  went 
forwards  to  Scotby,  whilst  our  father  and  mother 
went  again  to  Darlington,  and  thence  to  Newcastle 
and  Sunderland,  before  joining  their  children  at 
Scotby.  After  a  fortnight  spent  quietly  there  they 
attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Carlisle,  and 
aftwards  visited  Wigton  School,  Whitehaven,  and 
Cockermouth,  going  thence  by  way  of  Keswick 


AET.33.  *35 

and  Ambleside  to  Kendal,  where  they  stayed  for 
a  fortnight,  returning  to  their  home  on  the  14th 
of  loth  month. 

The  record  of  this  little  journey  shows  how, 
in  the  midst  of  increasing  cares,  our  mother  was  on 
the  watch  for  opportunities  of  serving  the  Lord 
by  ministering  to  others  outside  her  family 
circle,  not  feeling,  many  as  were  her  duties  at 
home,  that  she  was  doing  all  that  was  required 
if  she  was  faithful  there. 

4th  mo.  2Oth,  1856,  she  writes: — "For  myself,  I 
especially  feel  the  need  of  seeking  to  be  faithful  now, 
of  diligently  using  present  opportunities.  How  unwise 
to  think  I  shall  be  able  to  serve  the  Lord  better,  to 
dedicate  myself  more  entirely  to  Him,  when  my  dear 
children  are  a  little  older,  and  I  may  suppose  so  much 
personal  attention  to  domestic  duties  may  not  be 
required  or  necessary  as  now.  Ah  it  is  thus  that  the 
great  enemy  of  all  good  would  seek  to  allure  away  my 
mind  from  present  faithfulness.  He  would  hold  out  the 
hope,  if  life  be  spared,  of  future  usefulness ;  but  he 
does  not  tell  me  of  the  golden  hour  that  is  now  pass- 
ing, wherein,  surrounded  by  all  the  deep  and  touching 
interests  of  life,  I  may  yet  prove  that  my  heart  is 
offered  in  continual  sacrifice  unto  Him  whose  right  it 
is  to  rule  and  to  reign  in  me." 

About  the  same  time  we  find  the  following : — 

"I  afresh  feel  how  little  I  can  accomplish  out  of 
the  sphere  of  my  own  home  duties,  my  health  not 
being  very  strong,  yet  I  wish,  if  possible,  to  do  a  little 
for  the  Schools  in  Somers  Town,  and  for  the  Camden 
Town  Branch  Bible  Association.  Patient,  quiet  diligence 
and  watching  for  opportunities  will  I  feel  be  very 


J3  1856. 

necessary.  Oh  that  my  mind  may  not  give  way  to 
indolence  or  lukewarmness,  but  especially  may  I  be 
helped  in  the  right  training  of  our  precious  children, 
and  in  a  diligent  labour  in  the  vineyard  of  my  own 
heart." 

In  the  year  1856  she  was  instrumental  in 
starting  a  soup  kitchen  in  Camden  Town,  spending 
a  good  deal  of  time  in  calling  on  her  neighbours 
to  interest  them  about  it,  and  also  in  collecting 
the  necessary  funds.  The  committees  were  held 
at  her  home,  and  for  several  years  she  was  one 
of  the  visitors  and  continued  to  help  in  superin- 
tending the  work. 

Under  date  5th  month  i2th,  1856,  she  wrote 
out  for  r  herself  a  few  short  rules  of  conduct,  of 
which  she  says  : — 

"  I  have  desired  that  these  might  be  my  watch- 
words, but  am  renewedly  sensible  how  very  far  short 
I  have  fallen  of  that  standard  of  holiness  which  I  long 
to  attain  unto." 

They  are   as  follows,  and   are   headed — 

"WATCHWORDS." 
"To  improve  ^present  opportunities. 

"To  seek  to  live  daily  under  a  thankful  sense  of  my 
many  mercies. 

"Be  watchful;  be  humble;  prize  thy  privileges.  Be 
frequent  and  fervent  in  prayer.  Seek  in  all  things  to 
live  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  that  thou  mayest  be 
enabled  to  love  Him  with  all  thy  heart,  with  all  thy 
soul,  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength." 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Visits  to  Meetings  in  neighbourhood  of  London — Visits 
to  invalid  Friends — Anxiety  as  to  temporal  concerns 
— Birth  of  another  Child — Visit  to  Banbury  during 
her  Husband's  absence  in  the  North — Visits  with 
her  Husband  to  families  of  Friends  in  Westminster 
Monthly  Meeting — Apparent  difficulties  removed — 
Birth  of  a  Daughter — Visit  to  Redcar  and  Scotby — 
Birth  of  another  Daughter — Death  of  Anna  Braith- 
waite  and  her  daughter  Anna — Visit  to  Isaac 
Braithwaite  at  Kendal. 

DESIRING  to  be  ever  on  the  watch  for 
opportunities,  and  careful  not  to  be  too 
closely  absorbed  with  the  cares  of  this  life, 
it  was  wonderful  how  much  our  dear  mother 
was  able  to  accomplish  in  these  busy  years, 
whilst  still  her  home  and  children  had  always 
the  first  claim.  She  paid  frequent  visits  with  her 
husband  to  Meetings  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
London,  remaining  from  the  Sixth  or  Seventh- day 
to  the  following  Second-day,  and  when  necessary 
taking  one  or  two  of  her  little  ones  with  her. 
Sometimes  we  read  that  a  public  meeting  had 
been  appointed  in  addition  to  the  usual  meetings, 
or  at  other  times  the  days  would  be  fully 


138 


1857- 


occupied  with  visits  to  the  families  of  friends,. 
Several  visits  of  this  kind  are  mentioned  to 
Plaistow  Meeting,  where  they  always  received  a 
cordial  welcome  at  Ham  House  from  Samuel 
Gurney,  also  one  or  two  visits  to  Jane  Reynolds, 
at  Faringdon,  and  Peter  Bedford,  at  Croydon. 
At  Tottenham,  to  which  they  went  very  frequently^ 
they  were  the  guests  at  different  times  of  Josiah 
and  Rachel  Forster,  John  Hodgkin  and  others. 

Much  social  enjoyment  was  mingled  with  these 
visits,  but  it  required  a  good  deal  of  energy  so 
often  to  make  the  arrangements  necessary  for 
leaving  home  when  her  children  were  young. 

Our  mother  was  also  diligent  in  paying  visits 
of  sympathy  to  invalid  friends  and  those  in  sorrow 
and  affliction,  and  not  infrequently  devoted  a  whole 
morning  or  afternoon,  and  sometimes  a  whole  dayr 
to  this  service.  To  these  sorrowing  and  suffering 
ones  she  came  not  only  as  the  bearer  of  spiritual 
consolation,  but  in  very  many  cases  also  of 
.some  material  help,  her  practical  mind  at  once 
seeing  what  it  was  possible  to  do  to  alleviate 
the  distress.  Often  on  hearing  of  the  illness 
of  little  children  would  she  go  to  sympathize 
with  parents,  and,  when  there,  would  suggest 
some  food  or  treatment  which  in  many  cases  was 
blessed  to  their  recovery.  She  was  very  skilful  in 
dealing  with  children's  ailments  and  would  often 
prepare  the  nourishment  herself,  or  spend  hours  at 
the  house  showing  the  parents  how  to  carry  out 
some  new  treatment.  In  other  cases  she  would 


AET.34-  J39 

busy  herself  in  looking  out  more  comfortable 
quarters,  or  a  nice  companion  or  nurse  for  some 
whose  welfare  she  felt  laid  on  her  heart,  or  would 
send  some  appetising  and  nourishing  food  to  those 
who  were  ill  in  lodgings  and  away  from  the 
comforts  of  home. 

During  Dr.  Livingstone's  lengthened  absences 
in  Africa  his  wife  resided  in  London  quite  near 
to  our  home  ;  and  our  mother  felt  it  a  great 
privilege  to  do  what  she  could  to  cheer  and 
comfort  her  in  her  loneliness  and  anxiety,  when 
for  many  months  together  she  could  hear  no 
certain  intelligence  of  him. 

With  our  mother's  family  constantly  claiming 
her  attention,  and  the  delicacy  of  her  own  health, 
her  path  was  no  easy  one  at  this  time,  and 
domestic  cares  often  pressed  heavily  upon  her, 
but,  though  naturally  of  an  anxious  temperament, 
she  seemed  wonderfully  enabled  to  cast  her 
burden,  in  the  small  as  well  as  the  great  things 
of  life,  upon  the  Lord,  realizing  the  truth  of  His 
promise  "  He  shall  sustain  thee.'1  Thus  with 
her  soul  at  rest  in  Him  she  was  free  from  her 
own  cares  to  think  of  others,  and  proved  to 
many — 

"  A  counsellor  in   time   of  need, 
A  friend  in   word,   a  friend  indeed, 
A   sower  of  the   heavenly  seed, 
A   comforter  to   be." 

Their  increasing  family  often  made  our  dear 
parents  feel  thoughtful  as  to  the  future,  and  much 


14°  1857- 

care  was  required  on  our  mother's  part  to  make 
their  income  meet  the  growing  demands  upon  it, 
and  yet  so  to  order  her  household  that  neither 
she  nor  her  husband  might  be  too  closely  tied 
by  family  cares  to  the  hindrance  of  more  extended 
service  for  their  Lord  a-nd  Master.  The  following 
extracts  from  her  journal  on  this  subject  may  be 
instructive  as  showing  her  earnest  desire  to  be 
kept  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  in  this 
matter  : — 

"  I  have  been  thinking  much  to-day  about  a  young 
person,  a  Friend, — who  seems  likely  to  prove  suitable  to 
have  as  an  assistant  in  the  nursery.  I  long  to  be  rightly 
directed  in  this  thing  and  that  I  may  ever  be  very 
watchful  not  to  increase  my  precious  husband's  cares 
by  any  extravagance  in  household  arrangements.  Oh 
that  my  eye  may  be  kept  single  unto  the  Lord,  and 
may  I  be  willing  to  have  all  that  concerns  both  me 
and  mine  brought  under  the  regulating  power  of  Truth, 
for  herein  I  believe  shall  we  continue  to  experience 
peace  and  joy.  What  I  can  do  without,  rather  than 
what  I  can  do  with,  is  the  point  on  which  I  desire 
in  these  matters  the  balance  may  continually  turn." 
Again,  some  years  later  she  writes  : — 
"  During  the  past  week  we  have  had  very  seriously 
under  our  consideration  the  desirability  of  changing  our 
present  residence  for  one  rather  larger,  now  vacant, 
quite  near  to  us ;  but  we  have  unitedly  come  to  the 
conclusion  (which  is  a  very  peaceful  one  to  my  own 
mind)  to  make  the  best  of  the  room  we  have  and 
remain  quietly  here  for  the  present.  It  is  my  very 
earnest  desire  that  my  precious  husband  may  be  as 
little  encumbered  with  earthly  cares  as  possible,  that 


AET.  34- 

his  mind  may  be  set  at  liberty  as  much  as  may  be, 
consistently  with  the  divine  will,  for  the  service  of  our 
dear  Lord  and  Redeemer.  Oh,  that  we  may  ever  feel 
our  highest  joy  to  consist  in  freely  dedicating  all  that 
we  have  or  are  to  Him.  May  there  be  on  our  part 
no  weak  indulgence  of  the  earthly  mind  which  is 
corrupt  with  its  deceitful  lusts, — but  a  constant  pressing 
after  that  heavenly-mindedness  in  all  things  which  will 
lead  us  to  deny  self  for  Christ's  sake." 

Early  in  the  spring  of  1857  another  little  daughter 
was  given  to  their  care.  She  was  a  specially 
bright,  happy  child,  and  her  merry  laugh  and 
winning  baby  ways  often  -served  to  turn  the 
thoughts  of  her  parents  from  the  many  anxieties 
which  just  now  were  pressing  heavily  upon  them, 
so  that  our  father  used  playfully  to  call  her  his 
"little  charmer." 

In  the  summer  of  the  same  year  our  father 
received  a  certificate  from  his  Monthly  Meeting 
for  service  in  the  North  of  England.  In  allusion 
to  this  our  mother  writes  : — 

"At  our  Monthly  Meeting  I  had  to  tell  Friends 
that  a  peaceful  feeling  had  always  attended  whenever 
my  mind  had  turned  towards  the  probability  of  having 
to  give  him  up,  and  I  can  in  sincerity  of  heart  say, 
I  do  desire  to  be  enabled  freely  to  resign  him  to 
the  Lord's  disposal,  for  although  our  outward  prospects 
are  just  now  very  discouraging  and  it  is  peculiarly  an 
exercise  of  faith,  yet  I  do  believe  that  our  heavenly 
Father  in  His  tender  love  will  continue  to  care  for  us 
and  our  dear  little  ones  in  this  respect  also,  and 
although  He  may  give  us  no  overflowing  portion  of 
this  world's  riches,  He  will  not  suffer  us  to  want  any 


142  i857. 

good  thing.  I  feel  trustful  and  hopeful  though  often 
brought  very  low.  I  sometimes  allow  my  mind  to  be 
too  much  cumbered  with  worldly  cares.  Let  me  not 
forget  that  these  as  well  as  riches  are  able  to  choke 
the  good  seed  and  render  it  unfruitful." 

Our  mother  spent  the  two  months  of  his 
absence  at  Banbury  with  her  four  children,  and 
they  all  returned  home  on  the  25th  of  loth 
month,  except  little  Anna  who  remained  at  Ban- 
bury  for  a  few  weeks  longer. 

Early  in  the  Eleventh  !  month  she  writes: — "We 
have  a  prospect  before  us  of  a  family  visit  in  this 
Meeting  to  the  members  and  attenders,  which  feels 
very  weighty.  The  concern  has  been  before  my  own 
mind  for  some  months  past,  and  very  unexpectedly  I 
found  a  few  days  since  that  my  dear  husband  had  a 
similar  prospect  before  him.  This  has  been  strengthen- 
ing, and  it  seems  as  if  it  might  be  right  for  us  to 
engage  in  this  little  service  of  love  together,  and  if  it 
is  right  may  I  be  helped  through  some  of  my  home 
cares,  which  just  for  the  present  seem  almost  like 
barriers  in  the  way  of  the  accomplishment  of  this  duty. 
Both  my  helpers  in  the  nursery  are  leaving  and  several 

•of  the  dear  children  are  poorly Our 

position  just  now  as  to  temporal  things  is  also  a  try- 
ing one,  calling  for  the  fresh  exercise  of  faith  and 
humble  trust  in  Him  who  hath  promised  to  provide." 

Before  the  time  came  for  paying  these  visits 
she  records  : — 

nth  mo.  23rd,  1857. — "The  way  has  unexpectedly 
opened  for  my  engaging  the  Friend  who  is  with  my 
dear  sister  to  come  to  us  as  a  caretaker  of  our 
precious  children,  in  which  I  feel  great  comfort.  She 


AET.  34.  143 

^eerns  every  way  so  suited  to  be  a  help  to  us.  May 
I  not  humbly  believe  that  the  Lord  has  answered  my 
secret  desires  in  this  respect;  and  ought  I  not  to 
trust  that  He  will  provide  in  other  things  also." 

This  was  the  faithful  nurse  Ann  MacDermid, 
who  lived  fifteen  years  with  us,  and  to  whose 
loving  care  and  conscientious  performance  of  her 
duties  we  as  children  owed  so  much,  both 
physically  and  morally. 

The  family  visits  were  comfortably  accomplished, 
and  at  the  Monthly  Meeting  in  3rd  mo.,  1858, 
they  returned  the  Minute  granted  them  for  this 
service.  Our  mother  wri-tes  : — "  The  opportunities 
have  tended  I  trust  to  unite  us  more  closely  to 
our  dear  friends  in  the  bonds  of  fellowship  and 
love.  My  outward  concerns,  too,  have  been  so 
ordered  that  nothing  has  seemed  to  suffer,  and 
this  also  I  wish  to  record  as  an  undeserved 
mercy." 

In  the  7th  mo.,  1858,  "  they  were  blessed,"  to 
use  our  mother's  own  words,  "with  another 
precious  little  daughter,  whom  we  have  named 
Elizabeth  after  my  dear  sister." 

On  the  1 3th  of  9th  month,  1858,  our  mother 
writes  : — 

"Yesterday  my  dear  husband  and  I,  with  our  five 
children  and  two  servants  left  home  for  this  place 
(Redcar,  Yorkshire),  and  were  favoured  to  arrive  in 
safety.  We  have  taken  a  stroll  on  the  beach,  enjoy- 
ing the  varying  beauties  of  the  ever  restless  ocean. 
The  children  are  delighted,  and  I  trust  will  derive 
much  benefit  from  the  fine  bracing  air." 


144  1858-9. 

They  spent  a  very  happy  month  here,  and 
after  several  short  visits  to  relatives,  including  one 
to  their  cousin  Joseph  Pease,  at  Darlington,  and 
to  their  parents  at  Scotby  and  Banbury,  returned 
home. 

A  letter  to  her  mother  written  on  her  birth- 
day, 3rd  mo.  i5th,  1859,  gives  us  a  little  glimpse 
into  the  home  life  at  this  time  : — 

''Thy  affectionate  letter  with  one  from  each  of  my 
dear  sisters  was  received  at  breakfast-time  this  morn- 
ing, and  with  many  other  little  proofs  of  love  from 
those  near  and  dear  to  me,  bowed  my  heart  in  thanks- 
giving and  praise  to  Him  who  thus  daily  loadeth  me 
with  blessings.  .  .  .  The  dear  children  are  all 
nicely.  Thou  wouldst  have  enjoyed  looking  at  the  tray 
of  pretty  presents  they  had  prepared  for  me  this  morn- 
ing. Since  breakfast  the  three  eldest  have  been  with 
me  to  see  the  great  Globe,  which  delighted  them 
exceedingly,  I  think  they  went  four  times  up  to  the 
top  of  it ;  and  a  moving  Diorama,  which  was  after- 
wards shown  there  of  scenery  in  India  and  the  modes 
of  travelling  there  also  pleased  them  very  much.  Dear 
little  Joseph  is  to  make  tea  for  me  this  evening  out  of 
the  little  tea-things.  John  Hodgkin  lodged  here  last 
night  and  breakfasted  with  us  this  morning,  leaving 
soon  afterwards." 

Our  father  spent  part  of  the  summer  of  1859 
in  religious  visits  to  Friends  in  the  Midland 
counties.  During  the  greater  part  of  his  absence 
our  mother  was  at  Banbury  with  her  children, 
joining  him  at  Reading  to  attend  the  Quarterly 


UNIVERSITY 

AET.  36.  145 


Meeting  there  early  in  the  Qth  month.  She 
returned  home  on  loth  mo.  i6th,  and  in  the 
nth  mo.  we  find  recorded  the  birth  of  another 
daughter.  Within  a  month  of  this  event  the 
sudden  illness  and  death  of  our  grandmother 
Anna  Braithwaite  took  place.  Our  father  did  not 
reach  Kendal  in  time  to  see  her  alive.  He  was 
therefore  especially  thankful  that,  in  accordance 
with  her  particular  desire,  they  had  named  this 
daughter  Rachel  Barclay,  after  our  grandmother's 
aunt,  the  second  wife  of  David  Barclay,  grandson 
of  the  Apologist.  Our  grandmother  had  suffered 
for  years  from  an  affection  of  the  spine,  and 
it  was  thought  that  a  recent  railway  journey 
had  tried  her  more  than  usual,  and  she  had 
not  from  that  time  regained  her  ordinary 
health.  Still  no  particular  anxiety  was  felt 
till  about  4  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
day  she  died,  when  she  became  unconscious. 
Our  mother  writes  : — "  She  did  not  even  recognise 
those  around  her,  and  at  twenty  minutes  past 
ten  in  the  morning  her  happy  spirit  was  set 
free  from  earth,  and  entered,  I  consolingly 
believe,  through  the  infinite  love  and  mercy  of 
her  God  and  Saviour,  into  the  joy  of  His 
redeemed  ones  in  heaven.  The  sense  of  our  loss 
has  been  very  present  with  me,  for  she  was  a 
wise  and  judicious  counsellor,  one  who  ever 
sought  to  cheer  her  children  onwards  in  the  path 
of  duty." 


11 


146 


i860. 


Only  a  few  weeks  later,  on  the  3ist  of  ist 
month,  1860,  our  father's  eldest  sister  Anna, 
whose  health  had  for  a  long  time  been  very 
uncertain,  was  also  called  away.  Having  on  her 
settlement  in  London,  as  companion  to  her  eldest 
brother,  Isaac  Braithwaite,  come  under  the 
influence  of  the  late  Baptist  W.  Noel,  she  had 
long  ceased  to  be  a  member  of  our  religious 
Society.  She  was  for  many  years  previously  to 
her  decease  deeply  interested  in  the  Society  for 
the  Promotion  of  Female  Education  in  the  East, 
of  which  she  and  her  friend,  Helen  Hope,  were 
amongst  the  earliest  active  promoters.  Our  mother 
writes:  "She  died  in  great  peace  and  passed  away 
so  gently  that  those  around  her  scarcely  knew  the 
exact  moment  when  her  happy  spirit  took  its  flight. 
The]  evening  had  been  spent  in  singing  hymns, 
which  she  greatly  enjoyed.  The  funeral  took  place 
at  Kendal  on  the  7th,  her  remains  being  interred 
in  the  Friends'  burying  ground  there,  by  the  side 
of  those  of  our  precious  mother." 

Our  mother's  sympathies  were  strongly  drawn 
out  for  our  dear  grandfather  in  this  double  bereave- 
ment, and  in  the  summer  she  took  her  little 
Martha  and  the  baby  and  went  north  to  spend 
a  few  weeks  with  him  at  Kendal. 

She  returned  home  by  way  of  Banbury,  and 
whilst  there  records  : — 

"  On  our  return  from  a  drive  we  found  dear 
William*  had  arrived  after  nearly  nine  months'  absence 

*  Her  youngest  brother. 


AET.  37-  147 

in  America.  The  vessel  he  came  by,  the  "  Prince 
Albert,"  took  fire  when  about  1,000  miles  from  Galway, 
and  for  nearly  five  hours  they  were  in  a  most  perilous 
situation — a  raging1  sea  and  but  little  hope  of  reaching 
the  land  if  they  had  had  to  take  to  the  boats,  which 
were  not  nearly  sufficient  to  hold  those  on  board.  Part 
•of  the  deck  and  most  of  the  cargo,  which  consisted  of 
wheat,  was  destroyed." 

Her  eldest  sister,  Hannah  Mary,  had  for  some 
time  been  in  very  failing  health,  from  creeping 
paralysis,  to  which  allusion  is  made  in  the 
following  extract  : — 

5th  mo.  I3th,  1860,  First-day. — "  A  day  of  great 
enjoyment  and  sweet  peace.  It  has  been  delightful  to 
be  all  together  once  more.  In  the  evening  when  our 
large  family  circle  collected  we  had  a  memorable  time 
together.  Dearest  Hannah  Mary  has  mingled  a  good 
deal  with  us.  Her  decline  is  very  gradual,  but  we  all 
feel  in  looking  back  some  months  that  the  disease 
makes  progress.  She  seems  remarkably  preserved  from 
anxiety,  able  to  enjoy  the  present  hour,  and  to  leave 
the  future  in  the  hands  of  her  God  and  Saviour." 

About  this  time  we  rind  the  following  entry 
in  her  journal  concerning  the  progress  of  her  own 
religious  experience  : — 

"  Sometimes  of  late  I  have  been  permitted  to  feel 
inexpressibly  happy  and  that  which  used  to  be  the 
trembling  hope  has  of  later  years  given  place  to  the 
settled  abiding  assurance  that,  through  redeeming  love 
and  mercy,  I  shall  be  accepted  in  the  Beloved,  and 
shall  in  the  end  know  an  entrance  to  be  ministered 
even  unto  me  abundantly  into  the  everlasting  kingdom 
of  my  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ." 


148 


i860. 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

Visit  to  Families  of  Friends  at  Kendal,  also  to  parts 
of  Westmorland  Q.M.  and  of  Lancashire  and 
Cheshire  Q.M. —Marriage  of  Charles  Gillett— Birth 
of  a  Son — Removal  to  house  in  Camden  Road — 
Meeting  for  Workmen — Serious  illness  in  winter 
of  1 86 1 — Death  of  Isaac  Braithwaite— Death  of 
Hannah  Mary  Gillett— Death  of  Elizabeth  Gillett. 


SOON  after  her  return  home  from  these  visits 
our  dear  mother  again  felt  called  to  go 
forth  in  the  service  of  the  Gospel.  She  says  : — 

8th  mo.  26th,  1860. — "  At  our  Monthly  Meeting  last 
Fifth-day,  after  much  earnest  seeking  to  be  rightly 
guided  and  directed,  I  felt  it  right  to  lay  before  Friends 
a  concern  which  has  rested  on  my  mind  since  my  visit 
at  Kendal  in  the  spring,  to  visit  the  members  of  that 
meeting  in  their  families.  I  also  felt  it  best  to  ask  to 
be  left  at  liberty  to  attend  some  of  the  smaller  meetings 
in  Westmorland  Quarterly  Meeting  and  to  unite  with 
my  dear  husband  in  some  parts  of  his  contemplated 
religious  engagement  in  Lancashire  and  Cheshire  Quar- 
terly Meeting,  which  he  had  previously  laid  before  Friends. 
It  was  to  me  a  heart-tendering  opportunity:  much  unity 
and  sympathy  were  expressed,  but  above  all  was  the 


AET.  37.  149 

sense  of  quiet  peace  which  has  attended  the  giving  up 
of  my  own  will  in  this  matter.  The  necessary  absence 
from  our  dear  little  ones  is  a  great  exercise  of  faith 
to  me,  but  I  am  enabled  to  trust  that  the  Lord  will 
provide  for  and  bless  them." 

9th  mo.  3rd. — "  I  have  left  my  precious  baby  and 
our  i  sweet  little  E.  at  Banbury,  under  my  dear  mother's 
care,  during  our  contemplated  absence  from  home." 

The  journey  is  thus  reviewed  in  a  later  entry : — 

loth  mo.  i8th,  1860. — We  were  favoured  to  arrive 
at  our  own  peaceful  home  about  six  o'clock  this 
morning  and  to  find  our  precious  children  all  well. 
Nothing  seems  to  have  suffered  during  our  absence,  so 
tenderly  has  the  Lord  dealt  with  us.  My  cup  of  blessing 
has  seemed  full  to  overflowing  this  morning  in  the 
humbling  sense  of  mercies  past  and  present.  After  a 
little  rest  we  attended  our  Monthly  Meeting  and  returned 
our  certificate,  having  been  rather  more  than  five  weeks 
from  home,  and  during  that  time  visited  all  the  meetings 
of  Friends  in  Cheshire,  except  one  small  one,  many  of 
the  meetings  in  Lancashire,  and  most  of  the  meetings 
in  Westmorland,  besides  holding  about  eighteen  public 
meetings  in  different  places,  and  visiting  Friends  in 
their  families  in  the  small  meeting  of  Nantwich  and  in 
Kendal  Meeting.  We  also  had  an  opportunity  at 
Alderley  with  those  who  have  left  our  Society  who 
reside  in  that  neighbourhood,  about  twenty  or  thirty  in 
number,  and  my  dear  husband  had  a  meeting  with  the 
students  at  the  Wesleyan  College  at  Didsbury,  near 
Stockport.  It  is  marvellous  to  myself  how  I  have  been 
helped  from  day  to  day  and  been  strengthened  in  the 
midst  of  much  weakness  to  preach  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ.  How  often  does  my  heart  long  that 


15°  i86i. 

all  might  be  gathered  to  this  precious  Saviour,  and  if 
any  have  been  brought  nearer  to  Him  through  our  late 
labours  I  feel  that  it  will  be  a  rich  and  plenteous 
reward." 

In  the  1 2th  month  our  mother  went  to  Shotley 
Bridge  to  attend  the  marriage  of  her  brother 
Charles  with  Gertrude  M.  Tregelles,  eldest  daughter 
of  Edwin  O.  Tregelles. 

It  now  became  necessary  for  our  dear  parents 
seriously  to  consider  moving  into  a  larger  house, 
and  after  much  prayerful  deliberation  a  newly- 
erected  one  in  Camden  Road  (then  called  15, 
Carlton  Hill  Villas)  was  decided  upon,  and  our 
mother  writes  : — 

2nd  mo.  24th,  1861. — "My  dearest  Bevan  yesterday 
evening  signed  the  agreement  for  purchasing  a  house  in 
the  Camden  Road,  nothing  nearer  to  Westminster  Meet- 
ing and  to  his  business  having  opened  which  seemed 
likely  for  us.  The  seal  of  peace  has  seemed  hitherto 
to  rest  upon  the  conclusion,  and  I  trust  this  will 
continue,  and  that  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  will  go 
with  us  and  rest  upon  us  there.  How  do  I  long  that 
our  souls  may  not  be  fettered  with  earthly  things,  but 
that  we  may  be  enabled,  through  the  power  of  divine 
grace,  to  live  loose  from  them,  and  to  have  our 
affections  increasingly  set  on  things  above.  It  has 
often  been  a  sweet  solace  to  my  mind  of  late  amidst 
the  care  of  arranging  earthly  things  to  look  towards 
that  house,  not  made  with  hands,  which  I  humbly 
trust  is  preparing  for  us,  eternal  in  the  Heavens." 

This  house,  now  312,  Camden  Road,  has  been 
ever  since  the  family  home.  In  plan  it  was 


AET.  38. 

curiously  similar  to  the  one  they  left,  but  larger 
throughout,  and  with  an  additional  storey  which 
gave  several  extra  bedrooms.  The  garden  too  was 
larger,  and  when  they  first  moved  the  house  was 
almost  the  last  one  completed  on  that  side  of  the 
road,  and  was  close  to  fields,  in  •/which  the 
children  could  play. 

Before  their  removal  from  Mornington  Road, 
we  find  the  following  entry  : — 

3rd  mo.  i5th. — "Another  precious  little  boy  has  been 
added  to  our  sweet  charge,  making  seven  of  these 
precious  little  ones  to  care  for  and  train  as  we  may  Lbe 
enabled  for  a  heavenlier  inheritance  " — 

And  very  soon  after,  this  : — 

5th  mo.  I3th. — 15,  Carlton  Hill  Villas.  First-day. — 
"Last  Third-day  we  removed  hither  and  are  already  favoured 
to  feel  much  at  home.  I  can  hardly  believe  that^we 
have  not  occupied  the  house  more  than  a  few  days, 
all  has  been  so  comfortably  and  easily  accomplished. 
After  our  family  reading  on  the  first  morning  after Awe 
came,  I  had  to  revive  in  our  remembrance  how  the 
Patriarchs  and  holy  men  of  old  in  every  place  where 
they  sojourned  built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord,  and  to 
express  the  desire  that  we  might  do  the  same." 

They  were  comfortably  settled  in  time  to 
receive  their  guests  as  usual  at  the  time  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  and  also  to  be  at  liberty  to 
attend  the  sittings,  although  our  mother  was 
suffering  again  with  her  face,  and  not  always 
able  to  get  out. 


152  i86i. 

On  6th  mo.  2jrd,  she  writes: — "My  mind  has  been 
much  exercised  for  some  time  past  on  account  of  the 
men  who  have  been  employed  in  finishing"  our  new 
residence,  and  my  precious  husband  invited  them  to 
our  house  this  evening".  About  twenty  came,  and  one 
of  the  masters  as  well  as  a  subordinate  one  asked 
leave  to  be  present.  I  was  enabled  to  express  to  them 
what  seemed  given  on  the  occasion,  and  my  dear 
husband  was  also  engaged  in  prayer  and  testimony. 
I  trust  it  was  a  time  some  of  them  will  remember  to 
their  lasting  profit.  We  felt  sensible  of  the  overshadowing 
of  heavenly  good,  and  my  heart  is  more  thankful  than 
I  can  express  that  the  way  has  been  opened  for  this 
little  service  of  love." 

In  the  early  winter  of  this  year  our  dear 
mother  had  a  severe  attack  of  erysipelas  in  the 
face,  followed  by  an  abscess,  with  very  acute 
suffering  for  about  ten  days.  She  was  confined 
to  her  room  for  nearly  five  weeks,  and  part  of 
the  time  was  dangerously  ill  and  unable  even  to 
see  her  children.  In  speaking  of  this  time  of  trial 
she  says  : — 

1 2th  mo.  22nd,  1861.—-"  The  Lord  in  His  great  mercy 
condescended  to  be  very  near  in  this  season  of  proving, 
permitting  me  through  all  to  know  my  soul  to  be  anchored 
in  great  peace  upon  Christ  Jesus,  the  rock  of  my 
salvation,  so  that  although  my  bodily  distress  was 
often  great,  there  seemed  not  an  anxious  thought  per- 
mitted to  trouble  me,  and  my  soul  was  often  filled 
with  praise  and  thanksgiving  unto  my  God  and  Saviour, 
many  times  breathing  forth  the  language,  '  My  meditation 
of  Him  shall  be  sweet — I  will  be  glad  in  the  Lord.'  " 


AET.  38.  153 

Before  she  had  recovered  from  this  attack  the 
news  came  of  the  serious  illness*  of  Isaac  Braith- 
waite.  J.  B.  Braithwaite,  who  had  gone  at  once 
to  Kendal,  writes  : — 

1 2th  mo.  27th. — "  I  found  our  dear  father  living,  but 
much  altered,  and  continuing  to  get  weaker.  He 
knew  his  children  and  seemed  comforted  to  have  them 
round  him." 

Our   mother   says  : — 

"It  is  a  trial  to  me  that  I  have  not  been  able  to 
go,  for  he  has  been  ever  a  most  tender  parent  to  me, 
but  I  desire  to  cherish  the  feeling  of  humble  thankful- 
ness for  the  many,  many  mercies  which  are  permitted 
to  be  my  portion." 

28th. — "This  afternoon  the  tidings  have  reached  me 
that  our  precious  father  ceased  to  breathe  about  a  quarter 
past  nine  last  evening,  and  I  do  consolingly  believe 
that  he  is  now,  through  redeeming  love  and  mercy,  an 
inhabitant  of  that  glorious  city  whose  walls  are  salvation, 
and  whose  gates  are  praise." 

A  letter  from  our  father  to  Martha  Gillett 
gives  a  few  further  particulars  : — 

Kendal,  I2th  mo.  3oth,  1861. — "It  is  not  easy  for 
me  to  express  all  that  I  feel  in  the  sudden  removal 
of  my  tenderly  beloved  father.  It  has  made  a  void  in 
our  circle  which  nothing  on  earth  can  ever  supply,  and 
the  absence  of  my  precious  wife  adds  to  the  sense  of 
strippedness  and  desolateness  in  a  way  that  I  cannot 
describe.  I  am  thankful  that  I  was  permitted  to  witness 
the  close.  Very  sweet  and  even  hallowed  were  the 
hours  spent  beside  him  on  Fifth-day  evening  and  Sixth- 


154  i862. 

day.  He  was  quite  sensible  until  almost  the  last. 
Nothing  appeared  to  stand  in  the  way.  All  was 
simple,  unfaltering  trust  in  the  dear  Redeemer,  crowned 
with  the  precious  sense  of  His  presence  as  the  ointment 
poured  forth.  I  trust  that  my  dearest  M.  will  send  you 
a  few  particulars.  It  would  have  been  a  great  comfort 
to  me  to  have  had  her  and  two  of  the  dear  children 
with  us,  but  her  state,  and  the  distance,  and  the 
coldness  of  the  weather  seem  to  make  this  out  of  the 
question." 

After   our  father's  return,   our  mother  writes  : — 

ist  mo.  i3th,  1862. — "My  dear  husband  returned 
from  Kendal  on  the  6th,  since  which  time  I  have  been 
again  prostrated  by  illness,  and  for  several  days  con- 
fined to  bed.  To-day  I  came  downstairs  about  the 
middle  of  the  day.  My  dear  mother  was  with  me 
about  two  days  last  week,  but  returned  home  again  on 
Sixth-day  with  dear  Elizabeth  (who  had  been  nursing 
me  all  through  my  illness),  on  account  of  the  serious 
illness  of  my  dear  sister  Hannah  Mary  with  influenza.. 
The  accounts  of  her  continue  very  poor,  and  I  feel 
it  an  additional  trial  that  I  cannot  go  to  be  with 
her." 

1 5th,  Fourth-day. — "  Received  to-day  by  telegram 
the  account  of  my  precious  sister's  release  about  five 
o'clock  this  morning,  and  since  a  letter  from  my  dear 
mother.  This  fresh  bereavement  comes  closely  home  to 
my  heart,  though  I  feel  amidst  my  own  sorrow  that  I 
can  rejoice  for  the  dear  departed  one  that  her  warfare 
is  accomplished.  My  dear  sister  several  times  during 
the  last  few  days  expressed  her  longing  desire  to  go 
to  her  heavenly  Home.  Alluding  to  her  suffering  from 
difficulty  of  breathing  she  said,  His  hand  was  heavy 


AET.  39-  J55 

upon  her  now,  but  she  felt  her  dear  Saviour  very  near, 
and  believed  the  Everlasting  Arms  would  be  underneath 
for  her  support.  Shortly  before  the  close  her  breathing- 
became  easier,  and  she  very  quietly  passed  away. 
Her  last  words  were  "  Bright — bright — bright,"  and  I 
feel  little  doubt  but  that  the  bright  dawning  of  the 
eternal  day  was  opening  upon  her  soul." 

Our  mother  continued  too  unwell  to  go  to  the 
funeral,  which  took  place  at  Sibford  on  the  2oth. 

On  ist  mo.  24th,  1862,  she  writes : — "  I  continue 
deeply  to  feel  our  late  bereavements,  yet  consolation 
and  support  are  mercifully  granted  from  day  to  day. 
My  health  is  improving  perceptibly ;  to  me  it  feels  like 
coming  back  to  life  again.  The  foretastes  of  heaven, 
sometimes  granted  during  the  hours  of  my  greatest 
suffering,  were  so  sweet,  that  they  seem  as  an  earnest 
given  me  of  the  Lord's  mercy  and  love  to  my  soul 
and  of  the  rest  prepared  for  me  in  heaven.  Surely 
they  will  be  animating  to  recall  through  all  the 
remaining  steps  of  my  earthly  journey." 

3Oth. — "Went  to  meeting  again  to-day,  the  first 
time  for  nearly  three  months.  My  timid  nature  shrank 
from  the  effort  of  meeting  so  many  of  my  friends,  but 
when  there,  such  a  sweet  sense  of  divine  love  filled 
my  soul  that  I  could  have  sat  for  hours.  The  meeting 
was  silent  except  at  the  close,  when  I  ventured  to 
put  up  a  few  broken  petitions  for  help  and  blessing." 

Her  sister  Elizabeth  had  spent  some  months 
with  her  in  London,  nursing  her  all  through  her 
illness,  and  had  only  returned  to  Banbury  a  few 
days  before  their  sister  Hannah  Mary's  death. 


156 


1862. 


On    ist    mo.   22nd,  1862,   our   mother  wrote   to 
her  as   follows  : — 
"My  beloved  Sister, 

I  have  been  thankful  to  hear  you  had  a  favoured 
time  on  Second-day.  I  felt  it  a  great  trial  not  to  be 
with  you.  The  remembrance  of  our  dear  departed 
sister  is  very  precious,  and  I  trust  her  removal  from 
us  will  be  blessed  as  the  means  of  drawing  us  all 
nearer  to  our  heavenly  Home.  How  empty  and  vain 
does  everything  appear  that  this  earth  can  afford,  com- 
pared with  a  preparation  for  the  solemn  change  when 
it  comes,  and  to  be  found  ready  to  enter  into  the  joy 
of  our  Lord.  Our  late  season  of  sweet  intercourse 
together,  has,  I  trust,  bound  yet  more  closely  the  bond 
of  love  between  us.  Thou  couldst  not  more  have 
enjoyed  thy  visit  than  I  enjoyed  having  thee  here.  It 
seemed  just  the  provision  for  my  need,  and  I  often 
look  back  with  adoring  thankfulness  upon  the  past." 

How  little  they  then  thought  that  she  would 
be  the  next  to  be  taken.  Our  mother's  health 
was  hardly  re-established  when  this  great  and 
overwhelming  sorrow  fell  upon  her.  In  her  early 
years  her  sister  Elizabeth  had  been  to  her  as  a 
dearly-loved  child,  and  since  our  mother's  marriage 
she  had  been  always  ready  to  come  and  help 
her  in  times  of  sickness  or  pressure  of  domestic 
cares.  She  was  so  bright  and  well,  till  within 
a  few  weeks  of  her  death,  that  no  anxiety  was 
awakened,  but  on  4th  mo.  22nd,  1862,  our 
mother  writes  from  Great  Malvern  : — 

"  I  came  here  on  yth  day  unexpectedly,  on 
account  of  the  illness  of  my  precious  sister  Elizabeth, 
who  came  to  this  place  with  my  dear  mother  two 


AET.39-  X57 

weeks  since  for  her  health.  Since  arriving  here  she 
has  been  daily  getting  worse,  and  when  I  reached  on 
Seventh-day  I  found  her  extremely  ill,  and  dear 
Catharine,  Alfred  and  George  also  here.  Dr.  Hodgkin 
had  been  telegraphed  for  and  arrived  late  on  ist  day 
evening.  All  through  that  day  dearest  E.  continued  in 
a  very  sinking  state,  taking  something  every  half-hour, 
and  we  watched  her  through  the  night  very  closely. 
Dr.  Hodgkin  saw  her  that  evening.  He  considers  the 
attack  commenced  with  low  fever,  but  "it*  is  now  acute 
inflammation  of  the  right  lung.  He  considers  her  in 
a  very  precarious  state." 

4th  of  5th  mo.,  1862.  First-day.  Carlton  Hill 
Villas. — "The  past  week  has  been  a  very  memorable 
one  to  me.  My  precious  sister  Elizabeth  continued  to 
get  worse  from  the  time  of  the  last  memoranda.  On 
Second-day  we  telegraphed  for  my  brothers  Charles  and 
Alfred,  who  arrived  that  evening,  and  after  two  nights 
and  a  day  of  anxious  watching  the  gentle  spirit  of  our 
much-loved  sister  was  peacefully  released,  as  we 
reverently  believe  through  the  riches  of  redeeming  love  to 
be  for  ever  with  the  Lord.  A  radiant  smile  settled  on 
her  lovely  face  after  she  had  breathed  her  last.  Our 
sorrowing  band,  which  included  my  beloved  mother,  my 
two  brothers,  my  sister  Catharine,  and  their  faithful 
servant  Betsey  remained  in  silence  around  the  bed,  until 
I  was  enabled  on  the  bended  knee  to  return  thanks 
unto  Him  who  had  given  her  the  victory  through  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Dear  Elizabeth  died 
at  20  minutes  past  six  on  Fourth-day  morning,  the  3Oth 
of  the  4th  month,  in  the  2;th  year  of  her  age. 
Nearly  her  last  words  were  '  My  blessed  Saviour,  He 
is  precious,'  and  on  taking  leave  of  dear  Catharine 
and  myself  she  said,  '  Perfectly  happy/  a  feeling  which 
she  had  expressed  before  several  times." 


158 


1862. 


Banbury,  5th  mo.  7th.  Fourth  day. — "  Yesterday  the 
remains  of  my  precious  sister  Elizabeth  were  laid  in 
the  burying-ground  at  Sibford,  in  the  same  grave  as 
my  dear  sister  Hannah  Mary's.  It  was  to  us  all  a 
day  of  deep  sorrow  mingled  with  heavenly  consolation. 
The  void  that  is  felt  in  our  family  circle  by  this 
bereavement  is  inexpressible.  It  seems  difficult  to  realise 
that  we  shall  see  that  beaming  countenance  no  more 
on  earth  for  ever,  yet  I  desire  that  we  may  dwell 
rather  on  her  eternal  gain  than  on  our  own  great  loss. 
How  much  have  we  had  lately  to  draw  our  hearts  to 
heaven.  May  all  these  dispensations  be  so  sanctified 
and  blessed  that  all  the  gracious  purposes  of  our 
Heavenly  Father  concerning  us  may  be  accomplished, 
and  that  fruit  may  be  brought  forth  to  the  praise  of 
His  great  and  ever  excellent  Name." 


AET.39- 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

Yearly  Meeting  of  1862 — Illness  in  Summer  of  1862 — 
Visit  to  Ilfracombe  and  Banbury — Birth  of  a  Son 
— Visits  to  families  of  Friends  in  Holloway  Meeting 
. — Visit  to  Shanklift.— Illness  in  Spring  of  1864 — 
"Fireside  Hymn  Book" — Birth  of  her  youngest 
Child— The  complete  Family  Circle — The  Mother's 
influence — Prayers  for  and  with  her  Children — Care 
over  their  Reading — Their  Dress — The  Sermon  of 
her  life — Children's  occupations,  Carpentering — At 
the  Seashore — Absences  from  Home. 


OUR  mother  felt  it  a  great  effort  after  these 
bereavements  to  resume  the  ordinary  duties 
of  life  ;  yet  we  find  her  attending  most  of 
the  sittings  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  1862,  and 
presiding,  at  the  request  of  Samuel  and  Edmund 
Gurney,  at  the  dinners  provided  for  Friends  at 
their  rooms  in  Lombard  Street.  During  the 
summer  she  was  again  seriously  ill.  Of  this  she 
writes.: — tl  Death  and  eternity  have  felt  very  near, 
and  I  long  that  these  repeated  warnings  of  the 
great  uncertainty  of  all  things  here  may  stimulate 
me  to  double  my  diligence,  that  the  day's  work 
may  keep  pace  with  the  swiftly  advancing  day." 
As  soon  as  her  health  permitted,  she  went  with 
all  her  family  to  Ilfracombe,  where  they  found 
"  comfortable  lodgings,  commanding  an  extensive 


160  I863. 

view  of  the  ever-varying  sea  with  its  wild, 
rocky  coast."  Our  father  was  away  the  greater 
part  of  the  summer,  being  engaged  on  a  Yearly 
Meeting's  Committee  in  Lancashire  and  Cheshire 
Q.M.,  but  her  mother  and  sister  joined  the  party 
at  Ilfracombe,  and  afterwards  they  all  returned  to 
Banbury  together.  At  the  end  of  this  year  another 
little  son  was  born. 

In  the  summer  of  1863  our  mother  felt  a 
concern  on  her  mind  to  visit  the  families  of 
Friends  in  Holloway  Meeting,  and  on  mentioning 
it  to  her  husband  he  felt  it  right  to  accompany 
her.  Holloway  was  at  this  time  a  comparatively 
new  Meeting,  and  much  nearer  to  their  home 
than  Westminster,  which  however  they  still 
continued  to  attend  on  First-day  mornings.  This 
little  service  occupied  them  pretty  closely  through 
the  8th  month,  and  on  the  ist  of  9th  month 
they  all  went  to  Shanklin,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
where  they  spent  nearly  four  weeks  at  "a  com- 
fortable cottage  on  the -beach,  and  shared  together 
much  quiet  and  enjoyment  in  many  pleasant  ex- 
cursions and  in  daily  walks  and  rambles  on  the 
shore  and  through  the  surrounding  beautiful 
country."  After  returning  from  Shanklin  our  mother 
went  to  Banbury  for  a  fortnight  with  her  three 
eldest  children,  before  settling  in  at  home  for  the 
winter.  Early  in  the  year  1864  she  was  again  a 
prisoner  to  the  house  for  about  three  months 
with  an  attack  of  erysipelas  and  another  threatening 
of  a  painful  gathering  on  her  face.  It  was  during 


AET.  41. 

this  time  that  she  commenced  the  compilation  of 
"  The  Fireside  Hymn  Book,"  in  reference  to  which 
she  says  : — 

2nd  mo.  7th,  1864. — "  I  have  employed  some  of  my 
quiet  hours  during  this  season  of  confinement  to  the 
house  in  making  a  selection  of  some  of  my  favourite 
hymns.  The  labour  has  been  undertaken  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  my  very  dear  brother  William.  Our  own 
precious  children  have  also  been  much  in  my  thoughts 
in  connection  with  it,  but  whether  the  hymns  selected 
will  ever  be  printed  at  present  seems  doubtful.  Be  that 
as  it  may,  I  have  had  much  enjoyment  and  comfort 
in  bringing  together  these  songs  of  Zion,  the  very 
reading  of  which  has  often  seemed  to  attune  my  own 
soul  to  praise." 

Soon  after  the  Yearly  Meeting,  of  which  she 
was  only  able  to  attend  some  of  the  sittings,  she 
went  with  four  of  her  younger  children  to  Ban- 
bury,  hoping  to  benefit  by  the  change,  and  whilst 
there  was  able  to  complete  the  preparation  of 
the  Hymn  Book  and  received  the  proof  of  the 
earlier  pages  before  returning  home.  Amidst  her 
many  other  duties  the  correction  of  the  proof 
sheets  could  only  proceed  slowly,  but  on  the  2ist 
of  1 2th  mo.,  1864,  she  writes  : — 

"  Received  from  the  binder  '  The  Fireside  Hymn 
Book.'  It  is  a  neat,  nice  looking  little  volume,  and 
I  feel  thankful  in  having  accomplished  this  little  labour, 
though  deeply  sensible  of  its  many  imperfections.  May 
it  be  blessed  of  Him  who  alone  can  give  the  increase." 

She  returned  from  Banbury  early  in  7th  month 
in  improved  health,  and  on  the  i8th  of  9th 
month  she  writes  : — 

12 


1 62  1864. 

"  I  have  now  to  record  the  birth  of  another  sweet 
little  girl,  who  seems  at  present  a  very  healthy  thriving 
child." 

This  was  the  youngest  of  their  large  family, 
completing  the  circle  of  nine  brothers  and  sisters, 
who  all  grew  up  around  them  to  manhood  and 
womanhood,  our  dear  mother  frequently  speaking 
of  it  as  one  of  the  greatest  of  her  many  mercies 
that  she  had  never  had  the  sorrow  of  losing  a 
child. 

It  is  difficult  in  a  sketch  like  the  present  to 
convey  an  idea  of  he  constant  prayerful  exercise 
of  her  soul  over  the  little  ones  thus  entrusted  to 
her  care.  She  was  always  very  fond  of  little 
children,  and  her  own  had  each  received  as  they 
came  the  warm  welcome  of  her  true  mother's 
heart,  and  had  learned  to  feel,  as  soon  as  they 
could  understand  anything,  that  the  mother-love 
which  she  lavished  so  richly  upon  them,  was  the 
earthly  symbol  and  embodiment  of  the  divine 
love,  ever  seeking  to  lead  their  thoughts  upwards 
and  heavenwards,  and  bringing  them  under  the 
teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  know  God  as 
their  Father  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as  their 
Saviour.  As  each  little  one  was  in  turn  placed 
for  the  first  time  in  her  arms  she  seemed  to  hear 
the  heaven-sent  message,  "Take  this  child  and 
nurse  it  for  Me"  and  faithfully  did  she  discharge 
her  trust.  In  the  early  morning  she  would  often 
take  one  or  two  of  them  with  her  to  join  in 
the  season  of  retirement  she  always  spent  in  her 


AET.  41. 


i63 


own  room,  and  as  they  knelt  by  her  side  would 
in  their  hearing  commit  them  to  the  care  and 
keeping  of  the  heavenly  Shepherd  ;  and  as  long 
as  there  were  children  in  the  nursery  too  young 
to  come  down  to  meals,  she  regularly  read  the 
Bible  to  them  and  their  nurses  before  going  to 
the  morning  reading  downstairs.  On  First-days 
she  was  very  careful  to  keep  them  suitably 
and  happily  employed.  Learning  hymns,  pricking 
texts,  looking  at  Scripture  cards  and  picture  books, 
and  writing  out  answers  to  Bible  questions  were 
amongst  the  occupations  chosen  for  this  day. 
Our  father  also  was  more  at  liberty  on  First- 
days,  and  usually  spent  some  time  with  us,  as 
alluded  to  in  the  following  extract :  "  We  have 
once  more  our  dear  children  all  round  us,  dear 
M.  and  A.  having  returned  last  Sixth-day,  and  the 
little  group  of  seven  have  just  left  the  parlour 
for  the  nursery,  after  a  delightful  hour  spent  with 
their  dear  papa  in  looking  at  a  Scripture  Picture 
Book."  The  following  are  a  very  few  of  the 
many  entries  scattered  all  through  her  journals 
on  this  subject  : — 

"  I    felt    sensible    to-day    of    a    little     hastiness     of 

temper  in   correcting"  my  precious  ,    and    afterwards 

had  to  suffer  bitterly  for  it.  If  love  and  tenderness 
cannot  lead  her,  through  divine  assistance,  in  the 
right  path,  I  am  persuaded  that  anger  never  will.  It 
is  part  of  a  parent's  duty  early  to  check  and 
curb  the  rebellious  will  in  those  entrusted  to  their 
care,  and  it  is  a  high  attainment  to  correct  children 
in  such  a  way  as  that  it  shall  commend  itself  to  their 


164  i864- 

hearts  and  consciences.  Fervent  and  frequent  prayer 
for  heavenly  wisdom  and  help  I  have  felt  to  be 
peculiarly  necessary  in  my  own  experience,  and  oh  that 
I  may  be  yet  more  watchful  over  my  own  conduct  and 
conversation  at  all  times,  that  example  and  precept 
may  go  hand  in  hand." 

And   again  : — 

"Life  passes  rapidly  on,  and  I  long  to  be  found 
in  every  respect  filling  up  my  allotted  portion  of  service 
and  duty.  I  feel  prayerfully  solicitous  that  the  oppor- 
tunity now  afforded  me  with  our  precious  children 
should  be  diligently  improved.  Now  is  the  time  to 
scatter  plentifully  in  their  young  hearts  the  good  seed 
of  the  Kingdom  as  I  may  be  enabled.  Now  is  the 
time  also  to  water  and  to  cherish,  as  ability  may  be 
given,  the  first  buddings  of  grace,  and  to  check  and 
restrain  all  that  is  evil,  and  the  labour  must  be  bestowed 
upon  them  individually,  and  not  in  a  slothful  careless 
manner,  nor  without  much  prayer  to  Him  who  only  can 
give  the  increase,  if  I  expect  hereafter  to  reap  with 

joy-" 

And   at   another   time  : — 

"  The  day  altogether  has  been  one  of  sweet  rest 
and  quiet  enjoyment  amongst  our  dear  children,  whose 
hearts,  I  believe,  are  under  the  precious  influences  of 
divine  grace,  and  I  can  truly  say  that  I  have  no 
greater  joy  than  to  see  them  walking  in  the  truth. 
May  I  be  a  diligent  labourer  in  the  vineyard  thus 
appointed  me  by  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  that  the  precious 
plants  under  my  care  may  grow  up  before  Him 
in  holiness,  and  in  due  season  may  bring  forth  much 
fruit  to  His  praise,  so  that  when  it  is  gathered  in  by 
the  Lord  of  the  vineyard  I  may  have  to  rejoice  for 


AET.4I.  I05 

them  with  everlasting  joy.  I  do  desire,  O  Lord,  to 
commit  my  darling  children  unto  Thee,  from  the  oldest 
unto  the  youngest.  Be  pleased  to  do  for  them  in  Thy 
tender  mercy  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that 
I  can  either  ask  or  think." 

She  was  exceedingly  desirous  as  far  as  pos- 
sible to  have  as  our  caretakers  those  who  feared 
the  Lord,  and,  whenever  practicable,  members  of 
our  own  Society  ;  and  she  always  exercised  very 
great  care  over  our  reading,  never  so  long  as 
she  could  control  it,  allowing  us  to  read  a  book 
with  the  contents  of  which  she  was  not  herself 
familiar,  and,  especially  when  we  were  little  child- 
ren, going  carefully  over  every  page,  erasing 
any  words  which  seemed  objectionable,  and  often 
cutting  out  whole  pages  before  she  placed  the 
book  in  our  hands.  In  the  matter  of  dress,  too, 
it  was  her  earnest  desire  to  keep  our  minds 
from  dwelling  on  outward  adornment,  and  to 
teach  us  that  in  all  these  things  the  followers  of 
Christ  must  expect  and  must  be  willing  to  differ 
from  the  world  around  them,  if  they  would  keep 
to  the  simplicity  which  becomes  His  Gospel. 
Some  of  these  lessons  were  at  the  time  hard  for 
us  to  learn,  but  the  spirit  of  loving  earnest 
desire  for  our  best  welfare,  and  the  prayers,  so 
full  of  faith,  in  which  she  laid  hold  of  the 
promises  of  God  as  covenanted  to  be  for  her 
and  her  children,  could  not  fail  to  bring  a  bless- 
ing. We  all  knew,  even  when  we  felt  most 
rebellious,  that  it  was  no  mere  caprice  or  fancy 


i66 


1864. 


which  was  guiding  her  actions,  but  the  desire 
for  our  eternal  good  ;  we  knew  that  she  and  our 
dear  father  had  consecrated  themselves  with  all 
that  they  had  and  were  to  the  Lord's  service  ; 
we  knew  it,  not  so  much  because  they  told  us. 
so,  as  because  they  lived  it  ;  we  never,  even  in 
the  privacy  of  home  life,  heard  them  say  a 
single  word  or  saw  them  do  a  single  action 
which  could  lead  us  to  doubt  the  sincerity  of 
their  love  to  the  Lord  or  their  joy  in  His 
service,  and  therefore  we  believed  them  when 
they  told  us  that  they  had  no  greater  desire  or 
higher  ambition  for  us  than  that  we  too  might 
become  humble  self-denying  followers  of  our 
crucified  Redeemer  :  and  the  knowledge  that  this 
was  their  constant  earnest  prayer  for  us  was  an 
influence  on  our  lives,  the  force  of  which  can- 
not be  estimated.  For  the  encouragement  of 
other  mothers,  it  seems  right  to  record  that  the 
desires  of  her  heart  were  fulfilled,  and  that  she  had 
the  great  joy  of  knowing  that  all  her  children, 
while  they  were  still  young,  had  yielded  their 
hearts  and  lives  to  the  love  of  Christ  their 
Saviour. 

She  delighted  to  spend  as  much  time  as  possible 
with  her  children,  and  was  never  failing  in  her 
capacity  for  thinking  of  amusements  and  occupa- 
tions for  them.  The  nursery  was  a  large  sunny 
room,  looking  out  over  the  garden,  with  an  open 
fire-place,  where  the  kettle  used  to  sing  merrily 
on  the  hob  in  preparation  for  nursery  breakfasts 


AET.4i.  17 

and  teas,  and  where,  too,  we  could  all  sit  round 
the  fire  and  listen  to  stories  before  we  went 
to  bed.  The  hour  which  we  spent  with  her  after 
dinner  was  looked  forward  to  as  the  pleasantest 
part  of  the  day,  and  as  we  grew  older  she 
made  us  her  constant  companions,  always  having 
one  or  more  of  us  with  her  whenever  it  was 
possible  to  do  so.  She  encouraged  us  in  every 
kind  of  handiwork,  and  especially  in  the  love  of 
natural  objects  in  which  she  herself  had  found  so 
much  enjoyment.  When  he  was  very  little  she 
taught  her  eldest  boy  how  to  make  toy  engines 
and  steamers  out  of  empty  cotton  reels  and  match 
boxes,  and  as  he  grew  older  and  developed  a 
decided  taste  for  carpentering  and  mechanical 
work,  it  was  she  who  taught  him  how  to  use  his 
tools,  and  she  was  never  too  busy  to  discuss  with 
him  the  best  model  for  a  new  boat,  or  to  hem 
his  sails  and  make  bright  coloured  flags  and 
pennants  to  adorn  the  little  craft.  Our  yearly 
visits  to  the  seashore  were  rendered  much  more 
enjoyable  to  us  from  the  fact  that  we  had  more 
of  our  mother's  company  then  than  was  possible 
amidst  her  many  engagements  at  home,  and  she 
entered  with  as  much  spirit  as  ourselves  into 
the  pleasures  of  bathing,  sketching,  and  walking, 
and  taught  us  to  collect  the  flowers,  shells,  and 
other  natural  objects  which  we  found  in  our 
rambles,  her  enthusiasm  over  a  new  or  unusually  fine 
specimen  being  fully  as  great  as  our  own.  At 
home  we  each  had  our  little  plot  of  garden. 


i68 


1864. 


and  these  were  endless  sources  of  interest. 
There  we  grew  vegetables,  fruits,  and  flowers  ; 
there  we  made  tiny  ponds  and  rockeries,  and  in 
one  corner  we  erected,  with  much  help  from 
our  mother,  a  summer  house,  which  was  ever 
after  a  place  we  loved  to  resort  for  a  quiet 
hour. 

Thus,  whether  at  home  or  at  the  sea-shore, 
in  the  nursery  or  the  schoolroom,  our  mother's 
influence  was  around  us,  and  even  when  she  was 
absent  on  her  religious  visits,  as  was  often  the 
case,  the  spirit  of  her  teaching  remained.  It  was 
a  real  grief  to  us  to  have  her  go,  and  the  days 
seemed  long  till  we  could  welcome  her  back 
again,  but  we  were  early  taught  to  understand 
in  whose  service  she  felt  called  to  leave  us,  and 
also  that  by  giving  her  up  cheerfully,  and  trying 
to  be  good  children  and  to  carry  out  her  wishes 
during  her  absence,  we,  too,  in  our  little  measure 
might  be  sharers  in  her  work,  and  partakers  of 
her  blessing.  We  have  seen  how  careful  she  was 
in  all  her  steppings  to  be  sure  that  the  call  was 
from  the  Lord,  and  not  to  move  in  her  own  way 
or  will ;  but,  when  satisfied  that  He  had  called 
her  to  go  forth,  she  obeyed,  trusting  simply  in 
Him  ;  and  so  we  find  that  even  her  absences 
from  home  were  blessed  by  Him  as  a  part  of 
the  training  of  her  children,  and  that  that  was 
literally  true,  which  she  again  and  again  thank- 
fully records  on  her  return,  "  Nothing  seems  to 
have  suffered  while  I  have  been  away." 


CHAPTER   XV. 

Martha  Braithwaite  as  her  Husband's  Helper — His  first 
visit  to  the  United  States — Visit  to  Redcar 
— Review  of  next  five  or  six  years — Her  Religious 
Engagements,  including  Visit  to  Ireland — Efforts 
for  the  Freedmen — Work  at  Bedford  Institute — 
Visits  to  Homoepathic  Hospital — Mothers'  Meeting  at 
Westminster — Marriage  of  George  and  H.  E.  Gillett 
— Their  settling  in  London — Visits  to  the  Seashore 
— Her  Children's  Education — Death  of  her  Uncle, 
Joseph  Gibbins — Death  of  Benjamin  Seebohm. 


l^TfARTHA  Braithwaite  made  it  in  a  very 
JVJL  special  way  one  of  her  first  duties,  as  it 
was  one  of  her  greatest  pleasures,  to  be  her 
husband's  helper  and  companion.  She  always 
tried  so  to  arrange  her  household  duties  and  the 
care  of  the  children  that  she  might  be  as  much 
as  possible  at  liberty  to  enter  into  his  interests 
and  pursuits.  Her  warm  interest  in  all  that  he 
undertook,  cheered  him  under  many  discourage- 
ments, and  helped  him  to  bring  his  work  to  a 
successful  issue. 

In  all  domestic  matters  he  left  everything  to 
her  judgment,  and  never  interfered  with  her 
decision,  whilst  on  her  part  she  consulted  his 


170  i865. 

wishes  and  tastes,  so  that  we  as  children  could 
never  have  imagined  that  father  and  mother  could 
possibly  think  differently  on  any  subject  ;  but  they 
were  always  united  in  our  minds  as  one  law  of 
love  ruling  and  regulating  our  home. 

Probably  no  part  of  our  mother's  duty  as  her 
husband's  helper  was  more  difficult  than  that 
which  was  so  often  called  for,  the  sparing  him 
to  go  from  home  on  religious  service  ;  for  not 
only  did  she  greatly  miss  his  companionship  and 
sympathy,  but  it  was  also  often  a  real  exercise 
of  faith  when  his  frequent  absences  seemed  likely 
to  injure  his  prospects  of  success  in  his 
profession.  She  always,  however,  gave  him  up 
freely,  endeavouring  with  loving  unselfishness  to 
keep  her  own  feelings  in  the  background  and 
to  encourage  him  in  the  path  of  unreserved 
dedication. 

This  was  rather  specially  the  case  in  regard 
to  his  first  visit  to  Friends  on  the  American 
Continent,  which  occurred  in  the  autumn  of  1865, 
and  in  reference  to  which  the  following  entries 
may  be  of  interest  : — 

ist  mo.  2;th,  1865. — "  At  tea  time,  when  we  were 
alone,  my  precious  one  first  opened  to  me  his  prospect 
of  some  rather  extensive  religious  service  in  America 
in  the  coming1  autumn.  I  trust  I  was  enabled  to  cheer 
him  on  in  the  manifested  path  of  duty,  and  I  was 
helped  to  express  my  willingness  to  give  him  up — faith 
being  graciously  given  me  in  this  hour  of  need  to 
believe  that  all  will  be  well,  and  that  He  whom  we 


AET.  42.  17  J 

desire  to  serve  will  care  for  us  and  support  and  comfort 
us  through  every  trying  hour ;  but  I  have  passed  almost 
a  sleepless  night,  and  to-day  I  find  the  tears  again  and 
again  starting  to  my  eyes  when  I  think  of  such  a 
separation  from  my  dearest  earthly  treasure  and  all  that 
that  separation  must  involve.  The  Lord  alone  is  sufficient 
for  these  things  ;  may  He  in  His  tender  mercy  abundantly 
fulfil  unto  us  His  gracious  word  of  promise  on  which 
He  hath  caused  us  to  hope  and  give  us  afresh  to  know 
that  His  covenant  with  them  that  love  Him  is  in  all 
things  ordered  and  sure  ;  may  He  also  be  pleased  to 
make  the  way  as  it  regards  temporal  things,  that,  if 
consistent  with  His  will,  our  minds  may  be  relieved 
from  some  of  those  pressing  cares  connected  with  the 
needful  provision  for  a  large  family  which  have  of  late 
been  our  portion." 

Joseph  Crosfield,  of  Reigate,  accompanied  our 
father  on  this  visit,  feeling  drawn  to  a  similar 
service.  It  was  a  memorable  time  in  the  history 
of  the  country.  The  long  Civil  War  had  just 
been  brought  to  a  close  by  the  surrender  of  the 
Southern  army,  and  on  the  i5th  of  April  the 
whole  of  the  civilized  world  was  plunged  into 
consternation  at  the  news  of  the  violent  death  of 
the  great  and  good  President,  Abraham  Lincoln, 
who  had  given  freedom  to  the  slaves,  and  whose 
life  seemed  so  much  needed  at  this  important 
crisis  to  bind  more  closely  the  union,  which  but 
for  him  might  have  been  severed.  The  sad 
effects  of  the  war  were  everywhere  visible  as  they 
travelled  through  the  country,  especially  in  North 
Carolina,  where  they  found  the  Friends  in  very 


172  i865. 

reduced  circumstances,  many  having  lost  all  that 
they  had  and  greatly  needing  sympathy  and 
help. 

They  sailed  from  Liverpool  in  the  "  Persia " 
on  the  nth  of  the  8th  mo.,  1865,  our  dear 
mother  with  the  three  eldest  children  going  to 
see  them  off.  On  this  date  we  read  in  her 
journal  f  "  My  dear  husband  and  I  rose  about  four- 
o'clock.  He  was  sweetly  engaged  in  prayer  for 
me  and  we  had  a  nice  little  reading  together — 
the  i2ist  and  i26th  Psalms.  A  precious  sense  of 
the  Lord's  sustaining  love  is  mercifully  granted. 
Truly  the  joy  of  the  Lord  is  felt  to  be  our 
strength  ;  for  it  is  not  in  or  of  ourselves,  the 
peace  and  the  blessing  granted  all  come  from 
Him."  After  watching  the  "Persia"  "till  she 
was  hidden  from  view  in  the  mist  and  smoke 
at  the  mouth  of  the  river,"  they  went  on  to 
Kendal,  from  which  place  our  mother  writes  on 
the  1 3th  :  "I  have  great  joy  in  thinking  of  my 
precious  husband  thus  gone  forth  in  the  Lord's 
service,  and  I  have  felt  very  near  to  him  in 
spirit  this  morning  in  that  heavenly  bond  which 
distance  and  even  death  itself  cannot  dissolve. — 
Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

From  Kendal  they  went  forward  to  Redcar, 
where  they  were  joined  a  day  or  two  later  by 
the  rest  of  the  family  and  their  cousin  Ann  P. 
Foster,  and  spent  a  quiet  month,  our  mother 
finding  much  solace  in  the  society  of  her  child- 
ren, the  baby,  then  just  one  year  old,  being 


AET.  42-  J73 

especially  a  great  comfort  to  her.  She  says :  "  I 
desire  to  appear  cheerful  before  others,  and  am 
mostly  enabled  to  do  so  ;  but  there  are  times 
when  I  cannot  refrain  from  tears ;  so  many 
thoughts  come  crowding  into  my  mind.  Be 
pleased,  O  Lord,  again  to  speak  the  heavenly 
word  '  Peace  be  still,'  and  let  my  soul  renew 
her  hope  and  her  trust  in  Thee."  They  stayed 
for  a  fortnight  at  Banbury  on  their  way  home. 
She  had  good  accounts  from  her  husband,  whose 
progress  she  watched  with  loving  prayerful 
interest.  He  attended  many  of  the  American 
Yearly  Meetings,  and  sailed  for  England  in  the 
"  Scotia,"  reaching  London  on  nth  mo.  nth, 
just  three  months  from  the  date  of  his  setting 
out.  Our  mother  says  :  "  I  went  to  Euston  station  to 
meet  my  dear  husband  on  his  arrival  on  Seventh- 
day  evening,  and  the  dear  children  all  sat  up  to 
welcome  him  home.  Those  who  have  had 
similar  seasons  to  pass  through  can  understand 
the  trembling  anxiety  with  which  I  watched  for 
tidings  of  the  *  Scotia's '  arrival  and  the  joy  of 
our  happy  meeting.  To  have  my  precious  husband 
with  me  once  more  safe  and  well  raises  within 
my  heart  an  almost  unceasing  song  of  praise." 

The  next  five  or  six  years,  though  marked  by 
no  event  of  very  special  importance,  were  among 
the  busiest  of  our  mother's  busy  life.  Our  father 
continued  to  be  very  frequently  absent  on 
religious  service,  sometimes  with  a  Minute,  and 
sometimes  in  connection  with  Committees  ap- 


174  1866-71. 

pointed  by  the  Yearly  or  Quarterly  Meeting.  On 
some  of  these  occasions  she  accompanied  him, 
but  oftener  felt  that  her  place  was  at  home 
with  her  children.  The  visits  which  they  paid 
together  during  these  years  were  : 

In  the  spring  of  1866,  to  the  meetings  and 
families  of  Friends  in  the  meetings  of  what  had 
formerly  constituted  Longford  Monthly  Meeting  ; 
Longford  having  then  been  quite  recently  united 
to  Westminster  Monthly  Meeting. 

In  the  spring  of  1869,  to  the  meetings  within 
the  compass  of  London  and  Middlesex  Quarterly 
Meeting. 

In  the  winter  of  1870-71,  to  the  younger 
members  and  to  the  attenders  of  their  own 
Monthly  Meeting  (by  appointment),  and 

In  the  autumn  of  1869,  to  the  meetings  and 
families  of  Friends  in  Ireland. 

In  connection  with  each  of  these  engagements 
we  find  the  sense  of  her  own  weakness  and 
unfitness  for  the  work  very  present  with  her,  and 
again  and  again  the  prayer  is  expressed  that 
"  the  Lord  may  grant  the  fresh  anointing  for  every 
fresh  work  and  service  into  which  He  may  be 
pleased  to  call." 

The  visits  to  the  meetings  comprised  in 
London  and  Middlesex  Quarterly  Meeting  extended 
altogether  over  eight  or  nine  months,  and 
included  about  twelve  public  meetings,  and  also 
a  visit  to  the  students  at  the  Wesleyan  Theological 
College  at  Richmond. 


AET.  43-48.  175 

The  journey  to  Ireland  in  the  autumn  of 
1869  occupied  about  two  months.  They  held 
about  22  public  meetings  as  they  went  along, 
and  visited  most  of  the  meetings  of  Friends,  and 
also  paid  family  visits  to  the  young  men  in  Bel- 
fast and  Dublin  Meetings.  Our  mother  writes : 
"  Our  Heavenly  Father  has  been  very  gracious, 
renewing  our  strength  day  by  day,  and  enabling 
us  to  proclaim  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 
And  now,  in  the  retrospect  of  all  the  Lord's 
mercies  towards  us,  my  heart  is  humbled  in 
thanksgiving  and  praise.  How  hath  He  cared 
for  us  and  for  those  dear  to  us,  and  .  what 
encouragement  have  we  still  to  trust  in  Him." 

The  following  extracts  from  letters  to  her 
mother  written  on  this  journey  give  some  little 
idea  of  their  service  in  the  different  places 
visited  : — 

Kilnock,  gth  mo.  2;th,  1869.—"  We  breakfasted  at 
seven  o'clock  this  morning,  as  it  is  a  long  drive  into 
Carlow  and  meeting"  begins  at  ten  o'clock.  We  rest 
here  to-morrow.  Dear  M.  J.  Lecky  has  her  house  full 
of  guests.  I  think  we  went  in  eighteen  or  twenty  to 
meeting  yesterday.  She  is  overflowing  with  kindness 
and  love.  When  I  told  her  our  dear  children  were  with 
thee,  she  said,  '  Ah  sure,  the  Master  wouldn't  let  the 
children  suffer  whilst  the  dear  parents  were  engaged  in 
His  work,'  and  I  cannot  but  trust  that  it  will  be  so 
through  His  unmerited  mercy.  The  Quarterly  Meeting 
is  thought  to  be  large.  We  were  favoured  with  good 
meetings  yesterday,  and,  though  feeling  again  this 


176 


1866-71. 


morning  very  poor  and  unworthy,  surely  we  ought  to 
trust  that  the  daily  bread  will  be  provided  and  handed 
to  us  according  to  our  need." 

Dublin,  loth  mo.  8th,  1869.—"  We  are  both  favoured 
with  health.  Oh  Third-day  we  returned  from  Bessbrook, 
arriving  here  about  twelve  o'clock,  after  which  we  paid, 
I  think,  as  many  as  twelve  family  visits  to  young  men. 
On  Fourth-day  morning  we  attended  the  week-day  meeting 
in  Dublin,  and  went  afterwards  to  Ballitore,  where  a 
public  meeting  was  held  in  the  evening.  We  attended 
the  Monthly  Meeting  there  yesterday  morning,  a  time 
of  much  favour.  As  soon  as  we  had  dined  we  were 
driven  on  an  outside  car  to  Athy,  about  nine  miles, 
and  then  came  by  train  to  Dublin,  arriving  just  in  time 
to  attend  a  Meeting  for  Ministers  and  Elders  and 
Overseers.  It  commenced  at  six  and  was  not  over  till 
about  nine  o'clock.  We  went  out  to  Churchtown,  a 
suburb  of  Dublin,  to  lodge  at  John  Webb's,  and 
attended  the  week-day  meeting  at  Churchtown  this 
morning.  A  large  number  of  young  people  were  there, 
to  whom  the  fresh  invitation  of  heavenly  love  seemed 
rather  remarkably  extended,  our  chief  service  being 
towards  them.  After  meeting  we  called  to  see  a  dear 
young  woman  fast  sinking  in  consumption,  and  then 
came  on  to  William  Malone's  business  house  where 
we  are  continuing  the  visits  to  the  young  men.  These  will 
we  expect  occupy  us  closely  both  to-morrow  and  Second- 
day.  On  First-day  afternoon  a  public  meeting  is 
appointed  in  Dublin." 

Besborough,  near  Cork,  loth  mo.  23rd,  1869. — "Our 
visit  has  been  one  of  deep  interest ;  it  has  been  won- 
derful to  us  how  the  way  has  been  opened  for  us  from 
place  to  place,  and  Friends  everywhere  have  been  most 
kind  in  helping  us  forward.  We  attended  the  meeting 


AET.  43-48.  177 

for  worship  with  the  boys  at  Newtown  School  before 
leaving  Waterford  on  Third-day  morning.  It  was,  I  trust, 
a  time  of  fresh  visitation  to  many  of  their  young  hearts. 
We  left  Waterford  on  Third-day  afternoon  for  Tramore, 
about  seven  miles  distant,  on  the  seacoast,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river.  There  is  a  small  company  of 
Friends  there,  with  whom  we  met  in  an  upper  room 
hired  for  the  purpose.  They  are  building  a  Meeting 
House.  William  Malcolmson  drove  us  after  meeting  to 
his  house  at  Portlaw,  and  the  next  morning  we  went 
to  a  meeting  with  the  Friends  at  Carrick-on-Suir, 
about  eight  miles  distant : — one  family  only  resided 
there  when  I  was  in  Ireland  before,  now  they  have  a 
nice  Meeting  House,  and  a  nice  little  company  of 
Friends.  We  had  to  hand  them  the  word  of  encourage- 
ment and  consolation.  The  drive  to  Carrick  was  very 
beautiful,  through  the  domain  of  the  Marquis  of 
Waterford — mountain,  wood,  and  water  all  beautifully 
blending  in  the  scene.  The  deer  park  is  extensive, 
and  in  it  we  saw  some  hundreds  of  deer.  We  dined 
at  John  Grubb's,  and  came  on  to  Clonmel  by  the 
railway  in  the  afternoon,  where  we  had  a  kind  welcome 
from  dear  Eliza  Malcolmson.  The  public  meeting  held 
at  Clonmel  in  the  evening  was  pretty  well  attended, 
and  help  was  again  given  to  proclaim  the  precious 
truths  of  the  Gospel.  We  attended  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing at  Clonmel  on  Fifth-day  morning,  and  spent  the 
rest  of  the  day  in  calls  on  the  sick  and  afflicted, 
winding  up  with  meeting  a  large  company  of  friends 
to  tea  in  the  evening.  We  started  from  Clonmel  at 
seven  on  Sixth-day  morning,  and  reached  Limerick  in 
time  for  a  meeting  with  the  Friends  there  at  eleven. 
A  public  meeting  was  held  in  the  evening,  which  was 
largely  attended,  and  I  trust  was  not  in  vain.  We 

13 


I7  1866-71. 

again  breakfasted  quite  early  this  morning,  half-past 
six,  and  came  on  here  by  train.  We  have  had  a  most 
kind  welcome  to  this  comfortable  and  luxurious  home, 
from  Lydia  Pike  and  her  family.  We  intend  to  stay 
with  them  to-night  and  to-morrow  night,  and  to  lodge 
on  Second-day  night  at  Samuel  Newsom's  in  the  city. 
A  company  of  Friends  are  invited  to  meet  us  here  this 
evening  to  tea.  To-morrow,  the  meeting  in  the  morn- 
ing and  a  public  meeting  in  the  evening.  Second-day 
and  Third-day  morning  will  probably  be  occupied  with 
visits  in  Cork,  and  a  large  social  meeting  is  arranged 
for  at  the  Meeting  House  on  Second-day  evening.  We 
look  to  going  to  Cahir  to  a  public  meeting  on  Third- 
day  afternoon,  and  to  holding  a  meeting  with  the 
Friends  there  on  Fourth-day  morning,  and  going  on  to 
Dublin  afterwards.  We  hope  to  get  home  not  later 
than  Second-day  week." 

In  addition  to  their  more  extended  religious 
engagements  they  also  continued  frequently  to  pay 
little  visits  to  meetings  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
London,  to  which  allusion  has  already  been  made, 
and  each  year  for  two  or  three  weeks  the  interests 
of  the  Yearly  Meeting  claimed  their  close  attention. 
After  our  father's  return  from  the  United  States 
his  house  was  very  often  the  English  home  of 
Friends  from  that  country  who  came  over  on 
religious  visits,  and  our  dear  mother  delighted  to 
welcome  such,  feeling  it  a  great  joy  and  privilege 
in  any  way  to  help  them  forward  in  their  work. 
During  these  years  we  find  allusion  made  to  very 
acceptable  visits  received  in  this  way  from  the 
following  (amongst  other)  Friends : — John  Henry 


AET.  43-48-  179 

Douglas  and  Murray  Shipley,  David  Hunt,  Sarah 
F.  Smiley  and  Grace  Dickinson,  James  Owen, 
Eli  and  Sybil  Jones,  Amos  and  Edith  Griffiths, 
Joel  and  Hannah  Bean,  Rufus  King  and  Edward 
Scull,  Deborah  Thomas  and  Mary  R.  Haines. 

Our  mother's  time  also  continued  to  be  closely 
occupied  with  Mission  work  of  various  kinds. 
Amongst  the  fresh  efforts  which  originated  during 
these  years  mention  may  be  made  of  the  sewing 
meetings,  organized  in  1866,  and  continued  for 
some  time  on  behalf  of  the  newly-liberated  slaves 
in  the  United  States  ;  and  of  the  work  amongst 
the  poor  of  London  carried  on  at  the  Bedford 
Institute,  of  which  she  says  : — 

2nd  mo.  i6th,  1868. — "A  petition  which  I  was  led  to 
put  up  on  the  closing  evening  of  last  year  that  some 
humble  sphere  of  service  might  be  opened  before  me 
wherein  I  might  be  permitted  to  labour  for  the  gathering 
of  precious  souls  to  Christ,  has  been  remarkably  answered 
in  the  work  which  has  been  opened  amongst  the  poor 
at  the  Bedford  Institute ;  and  for  some  weeks  past  I 
have  been  attending  once  a  week  the  large  sewing 
meeting  held  there  to  assist  the  destitute,  when  there 
are  seldom  fewer  than  200  present.  I  feel  it  both  a 
privilege  and  a  pleasure  to  be  able  to  give  up  a  little 
time  to  this  object,  but  many  of  our  dear  friends  are 
doing  much  more  than  I  can  attempt,  for  my  home 
duties  still  claim  a  very  large  share  both  of  my  time 
and  thoughts." 

Towards  the  close  of  1871  she  became  a 
regular  visitor  at  the  Homcepathic  Hospital  in 
Great  Ormond  Street.  The  following  extract  tells 


i8o 


1866-71. 


how  this  came  about,  and  is  interesting  as  showing 
how  she  was  ever  on  the  watch  for  fresh  oppor- 
tunities of  service : — 

loth  mo.  22nd,  1871. — "Since  I  last  wrote  in  this 
book,  my  dear  faithful  old  nurse,  Ann  Holt,  died  in  the 
Homoeopathic  Hospital  in  Great  Ormond  Street.  I 
visited  her  several  times  during  the  time  she  was  laid 
up  there,  altogether  about  three  weeks.  On  one  of  my 
visits  she  said  to  me,  "My  trust  is  in  the  mercy  of 
God  in  Jesus  Christ,  I  have  nothing  of  my  own  to 
trust  to — Jesus  is  a  great  Saviour — one  drop  of  His 
precious  blood  can  wash  away  all  my  sin ;  and  after 
reading  a  portion  from  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  a  hymn 
beside  her,  she  again  said,  "  Christ  is  precious,  very 
precious."  It  was  to  me  a  fresh  confirmation  of  faith 
to  see  her  so  supported  in  her  dying  hour,  and  I  could 
but  magnify  the  riches  of  that  grace  by  which  she 
was  thus  enabled  to  triumph  over  death  and  the  grave. 
My  visits  to  her  in  the  hospital  drew  forth  my  heart 
in  sympathy  for  all  sufferers,  both  in  that  and  the 
adjoining  ward,  and  I  felt  there  was  a  sphere  of  labour 
opening  before  me  in  the  over-ruling  providence  of  my 
God,  to  which  I  have  for  years,  many,  many  years,  felt 
drawn,  but  never  until  now  could  see  my  way  to  enter 
upon.  I  have  therefore  applied  for  and  obtained 
leave  to  visit  at  this  hospital  as  often  as  I  may  be 
inclined,  or  able  to  do  so.  It  receives  about  sixty 
patients,  who  are  constantly  changing,  and  I  trust  my 
heavenly  Father  will  be  with  me  from  season  to  season 
to  strengthen  me  for  the  work,  and  to  grant  His  own 
blessing  upon  the  labour,  humble  though  it  be,  to  the 
eternal  good  of  those  precious  souls  with  whom  I  may 
be  thus  brought  into  contact." 


AET.  43-48. 


181 


She  continued  to  pay  regular  weekly  visits  to 
this  Hospital  for  many  years,  and  being  peculiarly 
able  to  enter  into  sympathy  with  the  sick  and 
suffering  ones,  her  visits  were  much  valued,  and 
the  message  which  she  bore  of  the  love  of  God 
through  Christ  Jesus  found  a  ready  entrance  to 
many  hearts. 

About  this  time  our  mother  began  to  attend 
a  Mothers'  Meeting  for  the  poor  women  living  in 
the  Seven  Dials  and  Saint  Giles'  District  round 
Westminster  Meeting  House.  It  was  held  once  a 
week  and  aimed  at  their  moral  improvement  as 
well  as  their  spiritual  welfare.  Several  other 
Friends  helped  her  at  different  times  in  this  work, 
but  for  nearly  ten  years  it  was  under  her  super- 
vision, and  she  only  relinquished  it  to  others  when 
obliged  to  do  so  by  failing  health. 

In  1867,  her  brother  George  Gillett  was 
married  at  York  to  Hannah  E.  Rowntree,  daughter 
of  Joseph  and  Sarah  Rowntree.  Our  mother 
writes  of  this  event,  "  We  were  favoured  to  feel 
the  overshadowing  of  heavenly  love.  At  the  close 
of  our  repast  I  was  strengthened  to  bow  the 
knee  in  thanksgiving  and  praise,  and  dear  Sarah 
Rowntree  also  offered  up  a  sweet  prayer." 
George  and  Hannah  E.  Gillett  settled  first  in 
Banbury,  but  in  the  spring  of  1869  they  removed 
to  London,  to  the  house  adjoining  that  of  our 
dear  parents,  an  event,  as  our  mother  wrote 
"  which  promises  much  mutual  pleasure  and 
comfort  to  us  all."  This  promise  was  fully 


1 82  1866-71. 

realised  and  the  social  intercourse  thus  made 
possible  was  much  enjoyed.  They  were  very 
closely  united  in  their  religious  views  and  earnest 
co-workers  in  many  efforts  for  the  spread  of  the 
Redeemer's  Kingdom,  and  to  the  end  of  her  life 
our  mother  often  spoke  of  it  as  a  cause  for 
humble  thankfulness  that  their  lot  had  been  cast 
so  much  together. 

Through  all  these  varied  interests  and  engage- 
ments her  health  was  never  very  strong,  and  she 
was  often  a  prisoner  to  the  house  for  a  week  or 
two  at  a  time  with  face-ache  or  severe  bronchial 
colds. 

The  yearly  visits  to  the  seaside  and  to 
Banbury  continued  to  be  times  of  great  family 
enjoyment  and  bodily  refreshment.  In  1870,  when 
our  dear  father  was  just  recovering  from  scarlet 
fever,  the  time  of  quiet  rest  was  specially 
welcome  to  them  both. 

Her  care  over  her  children  continued  as 
unwearying  as  ever.  Several  of  them  were  still 
in  the  nursery,  and  for  some  time  the  older 
ones  were  taught  by  teachers  who  came  to  the 
house.  In  the  spring  of  1868  they  decided  to 
send  their  eldest  son  to  a  Friends'  school  at 
Kendal,  and  afterwards  their  daughters  were  sent 
to  a  School  for  Girls  at  the  same  place  kept  by 
a  Friend.  In  reference  to  one  of  these  partings 
our  mother  writes  :  "  In  giving  up  one  dear  child 
after  another  for  school,  I  have  deeply  to  feel 


AET.  43-48-  I03 

my  own  shortcoming,  and  the  feebleness  of  my 
endeavour  to  train  them  in  the  right  way  of  the 
Lord,  and  yet,  feeble  as  it  has  often  been,  I  do 
trust  a  blessing  will  be  permitted  to  rest  upon 
the  labour "  ;  and  in  another  place,  speaking  of 
her  children  she  says :  "  How  do  I  feel  the 
need  of  sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus  to  be  taught 
of  Him,  that  I  may  be  strengthened  to  guide 
them  aright  and  to  go  in  and  out  before  them 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ?  *  .  I  often  feel 
that  we  can  hardly  put  in  the  good  seed  with 
a  too  liberal  hand,  when  we  know  how  many 
birds  of  the  air  will  hover  about  continuously  to 
pick  it  up  and  take  it  away,  and  how  diligent 
the  great  enemy  of  all  good  will  be  in  sowing 
his  tares  to  choke  it  if  possible  after  it  has 
sprung  up.  Fruitless  indeed  would  be  all  our 
labour  were  it  not  for  the  blessing  of  Him 
who  hath  said  '  I  will  water  it  every  moment 
lest  any  hurt  it,  I  will  keep  it  night  and  day.' " 
We  must  not  pass  from  the  record  of  these 
years  without  mentioning  the  death  in  3rd  month, 
1870,  of  her  uncle  Joseph  Gibbins,  her  mother's 
brother,  of  whom  she  writes  :  "He  has  been  to 
me  and  to  all  our  family  like  a  second  father. 
Through  life  I  shall  ever  retain  a  grateful 
remembrance  of  all  his  kindness.  He  was 
favoured  with  a  most  peaceful,  gentle  close,  no 
appearance  of  any  suffering,  and  those  in  the 
room  \vere  scarcely  aware  when  the  happy 
spirit  took  its  flight."  He  was  83  years  of  age. 


i  $4  1871-72. 

Amongst  the  many  other  dearly  loved  and 
honoured  friends  whose  loss  she  records  during 
this  period  it  seems  also  fitting  to  speak  of  the 
removal  of  Benjamin  Seebohm,  whose  ministry 
had  had  such  an  important  influence  on  her  own 
early  religious  life,  and  of  whom  she  says : — 

6th  mo.  3rd,  1871. — "  Yesterday  morning  the  intelli- 
gence was  communicated  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  the 
decease  at  a  quarter  to  eight  that  morning  of  our  much 
loved  friend,  Benjamin  Seebohm.  He  had  been  more 
unwell  for  about  a  week,  and  without  a  sigii  or  struggle 
his  happy  spirit  was  permitted  to  take  its  flight  to  the 
mansions  of  eternal  joy,  to  be  as  we  may  reverently 
believe  for  ever  with  the  Lord.  The  day  before  he  died 
he  said,  '  I  am  firmly  anchored  upon  the  Rock,  Christ 
Jesus,  my  Saviour.'  In  Benjamin  Seebohm  I  have  lost 
one  who  has  been  as  a  spiritual  father  to  me,  whose 
loving  words  of  sympathy,  encouragement  and  cheer 
have  often  been  helps  by  the  way  for  which  I  can 
never  be  sufficiently  thankful.  It  was  under  his  power- 
ful ministry  that  I  was  made  willing  to  yield  my  neck 
to  the  yoke  of  Christ,  and  after  a  season  of  much 
mental  conflict  to  open  my  mouth  as  a  minister  of  the 
Gospel.  This  is  now  twenty-eight  years  ago,  and  it  has 
been  a  period  of  my  life  that  I  look  back  to  with  deep 
and  reverent  thankfulness,  believing  that  if  I  had  not 
been  faithful  then  I  should  have  gone  backwards  in  my 
heavenward  course  and  should  have  lost  much  of  the 
peace,  the  joy  and  the  blessing  with  which  I  have 
been  privileged." 


AET.  48-49. 


CHAPTER   XVI. 

Her  husband's  journey  on  the  Continent  for  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society — His  illness  at  Athens — 
She  starts  for  Athens — Arrival  at  Athens — Their 
stay  there  and  journey  home. 


IN   the   autumn   of    1872    our   father  undertook    a 
long   journey   on    the    continent    of  Europe,   in 
the   interests   of   the    work   of   the    British   and 
Foreign     Bible     Society,     in    company    with    their 
Secretary,     Samuel    Bergne.      He    took    his    eldest 
son   Joseph   with   him.     The   following   entries   and 
extracts  from   letters   relate   to   this  journey: — 

8th  mo.  27th,  1872. — "My  dear  husband,  dear 
Joseph  and  I  came  to  London  on  Second-day.  They 
look  to  leaving  for  the  Continent  on  Sixth-day  morning, 
the  30th  instant,  and  I  shall  probably  return  the  same 
day  to  Pensarn.*  I  am  busy  now  with  preparations  for 
the  journey,  but  my  heart  is  often  heavy  in  the  pros- 
pect of  the  wide  separation  from  those  who  are  so 
near  and  dear  to  me." 

8th  mo.  29th,  1872. — "This  morning  the  word  seemed 
to  come  to  me : — '  Thou  hast  leant  too  much  upon 
the  precious  one  I  have  given  thee,  thou  must  lean 

*  The  rest  of  the  children  were  at  Pensarn,  with  their  grandmother 
.and  aunt. 


i86  I872. 

altogether  upon  Christ.'  It  has  lifted  a  heavy  weight 
from  my  heart,  and  I  have  afresh  been  permitted  to 
realize  the  fulness  and  sufficiency  of  Him  whom,  I  trust, 
above  all  I  love." 

She  saw  them  off  at  the  Cannon  Street 
station  for  Folkstone,  and  then  returned  to 
Pensarn.  They  crossed  to  Boulogne  and  thence 
proceeded  to  Paris,  Strasburg,  Vienna,  Pesth, 
Constantinople  and  Athens.  For  some  weeks  she 
received  good  accounts  of  their  health,  but  in 
travelling  from  Rushtchuk  to  Varna  they  were 
obliged,  owing  to  an  accident,  to  spend  several 
hours  at  night  on  low,  damp  ground,  without 
any  food,  shelter,  or  fire.  Here  pur  father  con- 
tracted the  germs  of  intermittent  or  malarial 
fever,  which  developed  at  Constantinople  and,  by 
the  time  they  reached  Athens,  obliged  him 
to  go  at  once  to  bed.  He  became  rapidly 
worse,  and  they  telegraphed  to  our  mother  asking 
her  to  come  at  once.  She  writes  : — 

loth  mo.  I9th,  1872. — "Another  telegram  this  evening 
with  a  worse  account  of  my  precious  husband,  and 
the  request  that  I  will  come  at  once.  In  addition  to 
the  fever,  slight  pneumonia  has  set  in.  The  earliest 
time  that  I  can  reach  Athens  is  next  Third-day  week. 
All  may  be  over  then — all  may  be  over  even  now; 
but  in  the  midst  of  my  deep  grief  I  feel  that  my 
precious  one  is  safe  in  the  everlasting  Arms,  and  the 
promise  comes  sweetly  home  to  my  heart  this  evening, 
'I  will  never  leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee.'  'When 
thou  passest  through  the  waters  I  will  be  with  thee, 
and  through  the  rivers  they  shall  not  overflow  thee.' " 


AET.49.  1 87 

ioth  mo,  2ist. — "It  is  now  arranged  for  my  dear 
Martha  to  go  with  me,  and  my  brother  Alfred's  butler, 
who  speaks  French  and  German,  and  is  accustomed 
to  travelling.  My  dear  brother  Alfred  will  go  with  us 
to  Paris — thus  the  way  seems  made  for  us.  The  day 
has  been  closely  occupied  in  packing  and  making 
arrangements  to  leave  home.  About  five  o'clock  my 
mother  and  dear  sister  arrived,  to  my  great  comfort, 
to  stay  with  the  dear  children  during  my  absence ;  so 
the  Lord  provides.  No  further  tidings  have  been 
received  since  Seventh-day  night.  We  had  a  smooth 
crossing  to  Calais,  and  reached  Paris  in  the  morning 
about  eight  o'clock,  leaving  again  for  Ma9on  at  eleven 
o'clock.  As  we  drove  to  the  station  we  passed  the 
Tuilleries  and  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  both  a  mass  of  ruins,* 
sad  monuments  of  the  depravity  and  wickedness  of  the 
heart  of  man,  where  not  brought  under  the  regulating 
and  redeeming  power  of  the  love  of  God.  I  had  hoped 
to  receive  a  telegram  in  Paris,  but  nothing  arrived 
before  we  left.  The  day  was  bright  and  pleasant,  and 
passing  through  beautiful  country  we  reached  Ma9on 
in  the  evening  about  eight  o'clock,  thankful  for  the 
many  mercies  so  abundantly  granted." 

En  route   to   Turin,    ioth  mo.   23rd,    1872. 
To  her  daughter  Elizabeth. 

"  We  had  a  comfortable  night  at  Ma$on,  which  is 
quite  a  small  place  ;  we  slept  well,  being  very  tired, 
and  rose  refreshed  this  morning.  After  an  early  break- 
fast, we  started  at  six  o'clock.  The  day  is  fine  and 
beautiful,  and  the  scenery  splendid,  glimpses  all  along 
of  the  distant  mountains,  capped  with  snow,  gushing 
torrents  pouring  down  the  rocky  hills,  beautiful  vine- 

*    In  allusion  to  the  ravages  made  by  the  Commune. 


i88 


1872. 


yards  on  most  of  the  mountain  slopes,  the  vines  being 
trained  not  as  those  we  saw  yesterday  on  upright  poles, 
but  on  bushy,  short  trees,  which  they  grow  over  and 
hang  in  festoons  between.  All  the  farm  labourers  are 
dressed  in  blue,  and  oxen  are  used  yoked  together ; 
the  women  wear  white  caps,  and  the  whole  effect  is 
very  picturesque.  Swiss  chalets  are  dotted  about  the 
hills.  I  long  to  have  you  all  with  me  to  enjoy  the 
scene,  but  amidst  all  its  loveliness  many  sad  thoughts 
crowd  upon  my  mind  in  connection  with  thy  precious 
father.  We  have  heard  nothing  since  we  left  you,  but 
I  hope  we  may  have  a  telegram  at  Turin  that  may 
comfort  and  cheer  us.  The  Mont  Cenis  Tunnel  is 
eight  miles  long,  3,600  feet  above  the  sea,  and  rises  in 
the  tunnel  over  400  feet.  We  went  through  in  twenty- 
four  minutes  and  three-quarters.  The  scenery  has 
continued  very  grand;  our  carriage  to-day  has  a  glass 
front,  which  enables  us  to  see  much  better. 

"  Turin,  eight  o'clock. — Arrived  safely.  Found  a 
telegram  awaiting  us  with  a  very  poor  account  of  thy 
precious  father.  He  had  been  better,  but  dangerous 
symptoms  had  again  set  in.  I  feel  we  must  prepare 
for  the  worst.  I  can  only  rest  on  the  everlasting  arm, 
and  seek  to  stay  my  soul  upon  my  God.  My  reading  in 
the  train  to-day  very  precious — the  fourteenth  chapter  of 
John,  '  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless,' — and  I  believe 
it  will  be  so  through  the  Lord's  tender  mercy.  I  am 
so  thankful  thy  dear  grandmamma  and  aunt  are  with 
you,  but,  above  all,  you  must  look  to  your  Heavenly 
Father  to  comfort  you  in  this  time  of  trial.  With  much 
love,  I  am, 

"  Thy  fondly  affectionate   and  anxious   mother, 

"  MARTHA  BRAITHWAITE." 


AET.49-  l89 

En  route  Turin  to   Brindisi,    loth  mo.   25th,    1872. 
"  My  beloved  Mother, 

"  Before  leaving  Turin,  which  we  did  at  six  o'clock 
yesterday  morning,  I  received  another  telegram  from 
Athens,  saying  that  my  dear  husband's  state  was  so 
alarmirig  that  it  might  be  desirable  for  us  to  wait  at 
Turin  for  further  intelligence.  We  had  only  a  few 
minutes  to  decide  what  course  to  take,  but  it .  seemed 
to  me  that  it  was  best  to  go  forward,  as,  if  we  waited 
at  Turin  we  should  miss  this  week's  steamer  and  there 
was  just  the  possibility  that  my  tenderly  loved  one 
might  again  rally.  Thou  wilt  understand  better  than 
I  can  tell  thee  what  a  journey  it  has  been  under  such 
circumstances,  and  we  do  not  expect  to  reach  Brindisi 
till  half-past  three  this  afternoon,  as  the  train  the  latter 
part  of  the  way  stops  at  every  station.  My  dear  Martha 
is  an  inexpressible  comfort  to  me  ;  but  above  all,  the 
alone  unfailing  Helper  has  been  graciously  near,  else 
surely  I  should  have  been  utterly  overwhelmed.  He  has 
not  left  me  comfortless,  and  His  precious  promises, 
which  are  all  yea  and  amen  in  Christ  Jesus,  have  been 
my  strength  and  stay.  I  feel  that  I  must  be  prepared 
for  the  tidings  of  my  precious  husband's  decease  when 
we  reach  Brindisi,  and,  if  it  is  so,  I  think  we  shall 
probably  wait  there  for  dear  Joseph  ;  if,  however,  he  is 
still  living  (which  I  scarcely  dare  to  hope  for)  I  shall 
go  by  the  steamer  at  twelve  o'clock  to-night  to  Athens, 
where  it  is  due,  I  believe,  early  on  Third-day  morning, 
hoping  to  be  in  time  to  receive  his  parting  blessing 
for  myself  and  our  precious  children,  and  to  gaze  once 
more  on  that  loved  face  and  form.  It  is  very  sweet  to 
feel  that  we  are  remembered  by  you  all  in  this  affliction, 
and  that  many  prayers  are  ascending  on  our  behalf." 


19°  i872. 

Brindisi,  Evening-. — "  We  arrived  safely  here  about 
four  o'clock.  Oh,  such  a  curious,  forlorn-looking  place, 
but  we  must  tell  you  all  about  it  when  we  return  home. 
Two  telegrams  were  delivered  about  a  quarter-of-an-hour 
after  we  reached  the  hotel,  one  from  London,  the  other 
from  Athens  as  follows :  '  We  hope  the  worst  is  past, 
condition  still  improving.'  It  is  more  than  I  had  dared 
to  hope  for  and  my  heart  overflows  with  thanksgiving 
and  praise.  '  Bless  the  Lord  O  my  soul,  and  all  that 
is  within  me  bless  His  holy  name.'  I  now  go  forward 
greatly  cheered.  We  have  just  had  a  cup  of  what  they 
call  English  tea,  which  has  very  much  refreshed  us. 

"  We  have  been  passing  to-day  a  country  of  vine- 
yards and  olive  gardens,  and  what  I  expect  would  be 
called  groves  of  oranges  and  lemons  and  fig  trees. 
The  sun  has  been  shining  brightly  over  the  landscape, 
and  to  the  right  the  blue  sea  stretched  far  away  in 
the  distance.  The  cities  and  towns  are  very  curious 
with  their  flat-roofed  houses  and  tall  minarets.  Our 
train  moved  on  from  station  to  station  with  the  sound 
of  a  trumpet  and  a  shrill  whistle,  and  often  stayed  so 
long  at  the  stations  that  some  of  the  passengers  got 
out  and  walked  in  the  olive  gardens  at  the  side  of  the 
railway.  Here  there  are  hedges  of  cactus  and  aloes, 
and  some  palm  trees  growing,  but  not  many.  It  is 
very  warm." 

loth  mo.  3ist. — "After  a  favourable,  but  long  and 
weary  voyage  from  Brindisi,  which  place  we  left  on 
the  25th,  we  reached  Athens  about  four  o'clock  this 
afternoon,  and  were  met  before  we  left  the  steamer 
with  the  pleasing  intelligence  of  my  dear  husband's 
continued  improvement.  I  was  soon  by  his  sick  bed, 
where  we  mingled  our  tears  and  our  thanksgivings. 
It  felt  to  me  like  receiving  him  back  as  a  fresh  gift 


AET.49-  J9I 

from  the  Lord,  and  my  soul  is  lost  in  wonder,  love 
and  praise  for  all  the  mercy  that  has  been  extended 
to  me  and  to  those  dear  to  me.  The  doctor  does  not 
yet  consider  him  out  of  danger,  but  my  dear  husband 
told  me  he  '  felt  very  peaceful,  and  could  leave  it  all 
to  the  Lord's  disposal.'  " 

Their  voyage  from  Brindisi  to  Athens  is  more 
fully  described  in  a  letter  to  one  of  her  children, 

which   says  : — 

"  Oif  the   Island  of  Corfu, 

"  loth  mo.    26th,    1872. 

''We  left  Brindisi  at  twelve  o'clock  last  night,  and 
arrived  off  the  island  of  Corfu  at  twelve  o'clock  this 
morning.  Here  the  steamer  waits  nine  hours,  and  we 
proceed  on  our  way  at  nine  o'clock  this  evening.  We 
came  on  deck  as  soon  as  we  felt  able  to  dress,  and 
have  enjoyed  the  beautiful  scenery,  and  we  have  also 
'been  able  to  read  and  write.  It  is  intensely  hot,  even 
in  the  shade.  The  town  of  Corfu,  very  ancient  looking, 
is  on  the  right,  backed  by  beautiful  hills,  which  stretch 
far  away  in  both  directions.  On  our  left  the  Albanian 
Mountains  are  very  grand,  and  seem  to  close  in  the 
prospect  we  have  left  behind,  so  that  we  are  anchored 
in  smooth  water  more  like  a  lake  than  the  sea.  The 
captain  tells  us  we  shall  not  reach  Piraeus,  the  port 
of  Athens,  till  next  Fourth-day  morning  or  night ;  it 
seems  a  long  time,  and  especially  as  we  feel  so 
anxious  to  get  there.  The  steamer  stops  again  at 
Cephalonia,  Zante  and  Syra,  and  though  it  is  only 
probably  two  or  three  hours  at  each  place,  it  all  adds 
to  the  length  of  the  journey.  I  feel  that  we  have  been 
very  gently  dealt  with  thus  far,  in  having  been  brought 
on  our  way  safely,  and  the  improved  account  of  thy 
precious  father  which  reached  me  at  Brindisi  has 


I92  1872. 

cheered  me  very  much  for  this  long  voyage.  The 
stewards  and  people  on  board  all  speak  Italian,  so 
we  have  to  do  the  best  we  can,  and  make  our  wants 
understood  by  signs." 

First-day,  loth  mo.  27th. — "  We  are  now  anchored 
off  the  beautiful  Island  of  Zante,  after  passing  and 
stopping  a  short  time  off  the  Island  of  Cephalonia,  on 
which  we  saw  a  town  called  Tereta,  lately  destroyed 
by  an  earthquake.  It  is  a  beautiful  day.  Dear  M.  and 
I  both  had  a  good  night,  and  came  on  deck  early, 
where  we  have  been  sitting  under  an  awning  to  pro- 
tect us  from  the  sun.  We  have  enjoyed  reading  a  few 
chapters  from  the  Bible  and  some  hymns,  but  have 
been  obliged  to  put  our  books  aside,  as  the  motion  of 
the  vessel  will  not  allow  us  to  read  with  comfort.  Our 
thoughts  have  turned  to  those  at  home,  and  it  has 
been  sweet  to  feel  that  we  could  unite  with  them  in 
worshipping  the  same  God  and  Father,  though  so  far 
outwardly  separated.  On  board  we  have  a  company  of 
thirty-two  people,  who  are  going  to  perform  at  the 
Theatre  at  Syra.  The  lady  at  the  head  is  now  our 
only  fellow-passenger  in  the  ladies'  cabin  at  night.  The 
deck  has  been  a  noisy  scene  this  morning — music, 
singing,  acting,  and  dancing — many  songs  to  Garibaldi ; 
it  is  difficult  to  believe  that  it  is  First-day.  We  have 
so  far  been  favoured  to  escape  sea-sickness,  but  we 
may  have  a  rougher  sea  yet  before  we  reach  Piraeus. 
I  look  upon  this  great  favour,  for  such  I  feel  it  to  be, 
as  an  answer  to  the  many  prayers  that  are  being  put 
up  for  us." 

Second-day,  loth  mo.  28th. — "  After  a  good  night's 
rest  we  rose  and  went  on  deck  early,  and  about  nine 
o'clock,  after  a  passage  of  sixteen  hours  from  Zante, 
we  anchored  for  about  an  hour  off  the  island  of  Cerigo, 


AET.49-  J93 

and  some  of  the  natives  came  on  board.  It  has  one 
town  of  the  same  name  and  another  small  village.  The 
island  is  rocky  and  barren,  with  scarcely  any  sign  of 
cultivation.  We  could  see  the  coast  of  the  Morea 
yesterday  evening  very  distinctly.  It  is  a  most  beauti- 
ful morning,  the  sea  calm  as  a  lake,  the  water  a  most 
beautiful  azure  blue.  The  captain  says  it  is  generally 
so  rough  here  that  he  considers  we  are  having  a  most 
beautiful  voyage,  and  he  thinks  we  shall  reach  Syra 
about  ten  o'clock  to-night.  There  we  have  to  change 
our  vessel,  as  the  one  we  are  now  in  goes  on  to 
Smyrna.  The  captain  thinks  there  will  be  no  steamer 
leaving  till  Fourth-day  evening,  and  that  we  cannot  reach 
Piraeus  till  Fifth-day  morning.  This  is  very  disappointing, 
as  we  so  much  long  to  be  there,  but  we  must  still  have 
patience,  and  humbly  trust  that  He, 

Who  has  helped  us  hitherto, 
Will  help  us  all  our  journey  through, 
And  give  us  daily  cause  to  raise 
New  Ebenezers  to  His  praise. 

The  day  has  been  very  noisy  on  board  with  the  theatrical 
party,  but  it  is  so  hot  in  the  cabin  that  we  have  re- 
mained mostly  on  deck." 

Third-day  morning,  loth  mo.  2gth. — "  We  anchored 
off  Syra  about  eleven  o'clock  last  night,  but,  owing  to 
many  of  the  passengers  being  up,  the  night  was  a  noisy 
one.  We  rose  about  six  this  morning  and  went  on 
deck.  The  theatrical  party  left  the  vessel  about  eight 
o'clock,  to  our  great  comfort.  We  have  sent  a  telegram 
hoping  to  get  an  answer  on  board  as  we  shall  not 
leave  this  vessel  till  to-morrow  morning.  They  stay  here 
till  to-morrow  to  take  in  cargo.  We  intend  to  have  a 
boat  and  go  on  shore  after  breakfast  to  see  the  place. 
It  looks  very  pretty,  built  on  the  slope  of  high  rocky 
hills  ;  one  long  street  which  we  can  see  from  the 

14 


194  i872. 

vessel  looks  as  steep  as  the  roof  of  a  house.  We 
cannot  quite  make  out  when  we  shall  reach  Athens; 
some  tell  us  we  shall  get  a  vessel  to-morrow  morning, 
and  reach  in  the  evening,  others  that  we  cannot  be 
there  till  Fifth-day  morning.  We  are  both  well,  and 
my  heart  overflows  with  thanksgiving  and  praise  to 
the  Lord.  Yesterday  I  thought  much  of  the  beautiful 
hymn : — 

N     "  How  are  Thy  servants  blessed,  O  Lord,"  etc. 

The  phosphorescent  light  in  the  wake  of  the  vessel  was 
most  beautiful  last  evening ;  we  were  walking  on  deck 
till  nearly  eight  o'clock;  the  starry  heavens  exceedingly 
grand,  the  Northern  Crown,  the  Great  Bear,  Lyra, 
Orion,  and  the  Pleiades  all  so  brilliant." 

Half-past  twelve  o'clock. — "  We  have  now  received 
the  telegram  from  Athens,  sent  off  at  eleven  o'clock 
this  morning,  *  Papa  in  fair  way  of  recovery.'  How 
much  cause  for  thankfulness  and  praise.  I  hope  thy 
dear  father  will  now  be  restored  to  us  and  that  in  a 
short  time  he  may  be  able  to  travel  towards  home. 
We  have  been  on  deck  most  of  the  morning,  and  have 
just  been  partaking  of  a  water  melon,  bought  from 
some  of  the  people  of  the  island.  The  houses  are  very 
clean  and  tidy  looking,  nearly  all  with  flat  roofs. 
We  have  passed  several  small  islands,  interesting  in 
connection  with  Homer's  works.  To-day  the  islands  of 
Andros,  Tinos,  and  Mykonos  lie  stretched  around  us  ; 
it  is  a  beautiful  scene,  scarcely  a  cloud  on  the  sky." 

Afternoon. — "  We  have  been  for  a  short  time  to  see 
the  town.  It  is  unlike  anything  I  have  seen  before. 
The  people  were  many  of  them  sitting  outside  their 
houses  playing  cards,  and  smoking  through  water  with 
long  pipes.  Donkeys  laden  with  water  bottles  were  going 
along  the  streets,  and  the  Greek  and  Turkish  costume, 
and  Italian  also  very  prevalent." 


AET.49-  195 

ioth  mo.  30th,  Fourth-day  morning. — "  Rose  about 
six  o'clock,  and  about  seven  Dr.  Thompson  came  on 
board,  having  just  arrived  from  Athens.  He  is  the 
agent  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  at 
Constantinople,  and  has  been  with  thy  dear  father  all 
the  time  he  has  been  at  Athens,  tenderly  nursing  and 
caring  for  him.  Dear  J.  and  thy  cousin  C.  LI.  B. 
have  also  been  most  affectionately  attentive,  and 
S.  B.  Bergne  as  long  as  he  remained,  and  they  have 
had  a  very  nice  nurse  in  addition ;  so  that  it  is  a 
comfort  to  feel  nothing  has  been  wanting  in  tender 
care.  The  illness  has  been  a  most  serious  one,  for, 
in  addition  to  the  intermittent  fever  and  slight  inflam- 
mation of  the  lungs,  there  has  been  inflammation  of 
the  brain,  so  that  thy  dear  father  was  mostly  uncon- 
scious for  three  or  four  days  last  week,  and  when  they 
telegraphed  to  us  to  wait  at  Turin  they  thought  he 
could  not  survive  many  hours.  Again  last  Seventh-day, 
after  we  left  Brindisi,  both  the  doctor  and  the  physician 
they  had  called  in,  gave  up  hope,  and  they  said 
that  their  great  regret  was  that  I  should  not  reach  in 
time  to  see  him  living.  Contrary,  however,  to  their 
expectations  and  their  fears,  there  was  a  change  for 
the  better  about  six  o'clock  on  First-day  morning,  and 
since  then  there  has  been  slow  but  steady  improvement. 
The  doctor  says  that  he  never,  in  the  course  of  his 
practice  of  30  years,  met  with  a  case  in  which  the 
fluctuations  were  so  sudden,  and  that  he  could  not 
yet  pronounce  him  out  of  danger;  so  we  rejoice  with 
trembling,  though  very,  very  thankful  for  the  hope 
which  I  trust  we  may  now  cherish  that  he  will  be 
spared  to  us.  We  are  now  waiting  for  the  Trieste 
steamer  to  come  in  with  the  mail,  and  I  hope  may 
be  at  Athens  to-morrow  evening." 


196  I872. 

Afternoon. — "  We  have  been  anxiously  watching  for 
the  steamer  from  Trieste  all  the  morning',  and  now  a 
telegram  has  been  received  that  it  will  not  be  here 
till  to-morrow  evening,  and  consequently  we  shall  not 
reach  Athens  till  Sixth-day  morning.  It  is  a  great 
exercise  of  faith  and  patience  to  be  so  near,  and  not 
able  to  get  on,  but  having  experienced  so  largely  of 
the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord,  I  desire  in  Him  still 
to  put  my  trust." 

nth  mo.  ist,  6th  day.  —  "Contrary  to  expectation, 
the  Trieste  steamer  arrived  at  Syra  on  Fourth- day  even- 
ing, and  we  started  for  Piraeus  about  five  o'clock  yesterday 
morning,  arriving  at  Athens  safely  and  well  about  four 
o'clock.  We  found  thy  dear  father  still  slowly  gaining 
ground,  but  he  looks  much  altered,  and  it  must  be 
some  weeks,  under  the  most  favourable  circumstances, 
before  we  can  leave  Athens.  He  knew  us,  and  seemed 
pleased  that  we  were  at  last  here  ;  but  he  is  still  often 
very  wandering,  so  that  perfect  quiet  is  essential,  and 
we  talk  to  him  as  little  as  possible.  He  has  a  nice, 
kind,  attentive  nurse  named  Demetrius.  He  comes  at 
half-past  five  in  the  evening,  and  leaves  about  ten  in 
the  morning ;  the  Doctor  is  also  most  kind  and  attentive, 
and  is  thought  very  skilful.  He  has  been  here  four, 
and  sometimes  five  times  a  day,  but  he  is  now  only 
coming  three  times  a  day.  Another  physician  has  alsa 
been  called  in  for  consultation.  The  people  at  the  hotel 
and  the  waiters  are  very  kind,  and  we  have  a  nice 
suite  of  rooms  at  the  end  of  one  of  the  passages.  I 
feel  that  our  mercies  do  indeed  abound,  and  that  our 
Heavenly  Father  has  dealt  very  tenderly  with  us." 

It  proved  indeed   that  our  mother  had  arrived 
just  at  the  right  time.     During  the  most  critical  part 


AET.49-  !9 

of  the  illness  our  father  was  entirely  unconscious 
and  she  could  have  done  nothing  to  help  him, 
whilst  the  anxiety  would  have  told  seriously  upon 
her  strength,  but  when  she  reached  Athens,  just 
as  he  was  returning  to  consciousness,  the  realiza- 
tion of  her  presence  did  more  to  soothe  and 
quiet  him,  and  thus  help  forward  his  recovery 
than  anything  else  could  have  done.  He  has 
often  told  us  that  she  appeared  to  him  like  an 
angel.  Although  still  with  many  variations,  our 
father's  health  continued  from  this  time  steadily 
to  improve.  It  was  three  weeks  longer  before 
he  was  able  to  leave  his  bed,  and  another  week 
before  the  doctor  thought  it  safe  for  him  to 
undertake  the  journey  home,  which  was  to  be 
by  sea  as  far  as  Marseilles,  in  the  hope  that  the 
voyage  might  still  further  restore  him.  These 
four  weeks  spent  at  Athens*  were  full  of  deep 
interest  as  well  as  of  continued  anxiety.  In  a 
letter  dated  nth  mo.  8th,  1872,  our  mother  thus 
describes  their  surroundings  : — 

"  We  can  see  the  palace,  which  is  a  plain  sub- 
stantial building,  from  one  of  the  windows  of  your 
dear  father's  bedroom,  with  Mount  Lycabettus  rising 
behind.  Between  the  palace  and  the  hotel  there  is  a 
large  square  planted  with  orange  trees,  in  the  centre 
of  which  is  a  beautiful  fountain,  and  at  the  back  of 


*  It  must  be  remembered  that  previously  to  the  conclusion  of  the 
War  for  independence,  which  ended  in  the  year  1830,  Athens  had  been 
reduced  to  a  Turkish  village  in  the  midst  of  some  of  the  most  splendid 
remains  of  Greek  art.  It  is  now  a  beautiful  city,  with  about  108,000 
inhabitants,  many  of  the  houses  distinguished  by  much  beauty  and  elegance. 


198  187* 

the  palace  are  the  palace  gardens,  which  are  open  to 
the  public  every  day  after  four  o'clock,  and  which  are 
said  to  be  very  beautiful.  I  have  not  yet  been  to  see 
them.  Many  of  the  streets  here  are  planted  on  each 
side  with  rows  of  pepper  trees,  the  foliage  of  which,, 
with  the  pendant  branches  of  blossom  and  fruit,  is  very 
elegant.  The  plantations  and  hedges  of  cactus  and 
aloes  also  look  very  striking.  The  pink  blossoms  of 
the  cactus  are  just  now  opening,  and  must  be  very 
beautiful  when  fully  out.  Then,  the  dark  olive  trees 
give  a  sombre  look  to  the  landscape.  The  ruins  on 
the  Acropolis,  the  Parthenon,  the  Erectheum,  and  others 
are  all  very  beautiful.  There  is  also  a  whole  street  of 
tombs,  some  of  them  very  ancient,  lately  excavated,, 
which  I  hope  we  shall  see  before  we  leave.  The 
costumes  of  the  people  are  very  curious  ;  a  great  many 
Albanian  costumes.  Most  of  the  people  speak  Greek,, 
and  it  is  curious  to  see  the  Greek  names  over  the 
shops  and  warehouses." 

Whilst  at  Athens  they  became  acquainted  with 
Dr.  Kalopothakes,*  a  native  of  Sparta,  pastor  of 
the  Protestant  Church,  who  showed  them  a  great 
deal  of  kindness,  and  with  whom  they  ever  after- 
wards maintained  a  warm  friendship. 

On  the  28th  of  the  nth  month  they  set  out 
on  their  journey  home,  our  father  being  carried 
on  board  at  the  Piraeus,  but  daily  gaining 
strength,  although  the  voyage  was  a  very  stormy 
one.  It  is  thus  described  in  the  journal : — 


*   Now  the  agent  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  for  Greece. 


AET.49-  J99 

1 2th  mo.  Qth,  Second-day.  Marseilles.— "We  landed 
here  about  one  o'clock  last  Sixth-day,  after  a  week's 
voyage  from  the  Piraeus,  the  first  three  days  beautifully 
calm,  and  the  voyage  very  pleasant  along  the  coast  of 
Greece,  and  through  the  Straits  of  Messina.  We  passed 
Sicily,  and  saw  Etna  beautifully,  also  Stromboli  sending 
forth  volumes  of  smoke.  On  First-day  morning  we 
held  our  little  meeting  in  our  own  cabin  to  our  comfort, 
commemorating  the  goodness  of  the  Lord.  On  First- 
day  evening  the  wind  rose,  and  when  we  reached 
the  Bay  of  Naples  the  next  morning,  it  was  so  rough 
that  it  was  with  difficulty  the  passengers  who  wished  to 
stay  there  were  sent  on  shore,  and  in  a  few  hours 
our  vessel,  the  "  Tibre,"  was  obliged  to  put  in  for 
shelter  at  a  small  port  near  the  ruins  of  Pompeii, 
and  in  sight  of  Vesuvius.  Here  we  stayed  the  remainder 
of  that  day  and  the  following  night,  and  on  Third-day 
morning  again  pursued  our  course,  the  sea  still  very 
rough,  and  as  night  came  on  our  situation  became 
one  of  considerable  danger;  heavy  rain,  thunder  and 
lightning,  the  wind  blowing  a  tremendous  gale,  and 
the  darkness  so  great  that  the  captain  could  not  see 
to  steer  his  course.  All  night  we  were  drifting  about 
amongst  rocks  and  small  islands  until  the  morning 
dawned,  yet  a  sweet  sense  of  peace  was  mercifully 
given,  and  many  precious  promises  were  brought  to 
remembrance.  The  Lord  was  near  to  sustain,  and  His 
everlasting  arm  was  felt  to  be  underneath,  and  I  shall 
ever  look  back  to  that  night  with  humble  gratitude  for 
the  preserving  care  that  was  extended  over  us.  We 
again  took  shelter  the  following  night  in  a  small  port 
on  the  island  of  Elba,  and  had  the  weather  very 
stormy  most  of  the  remainder  of  the  voyage.  The  rest 
here  has  been  very  acceptable.  Yesterday  we  held  our 


200  l872-73. 

little  meeting  at  the  hotel,  and  Lea  Trial,  Christine 
Alsop's  niece,  came  to  tea  with  us.  •  We  are  leaving 
this  morning  for  Lyons.  My  dear  husband  continues 
to  improve." 

I2th  mo.  I5th,  First-day. — "  We  were  favoured  to  reach 
our  own  peaceful  home  in  safety  last  Fifth-day  evening 
and  to  find  all  well.  Our  hearts  overflow  with  thanks- 
giving and  praise  for  all  the  Lord's  rich  and  abundant 
mercies.  We  had  a  precious  time  of  thanksgiving  and 
praise  when  we  gathered  round  the  table  for  tea,  and 
also  again  at  the  family  reading  the  following  morning. 
Our  dear  Anna  and  M.C.  returned  home  on  Sixth-day 
evening,  both  looking  well.  O  Lord,  be  pleased  still 
to  bless  us  together  with  Thy  heavenly  blessing,  and 
enable  us  all  increasingly  to  dedicate  ourselves  to 
Thee." 


AET.  49-50. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

Visit  to  Meetings  of  London  and  Middlesex  Q.M. — 
Her  children's  interests — Commencement  of  work  at 
Bunhill  Fields — Concern  for  Cabmen — Annual  Teas — 
Cabmen's  Shelter — Visit  to  the  Vaudois  Valleys 
and  the  South  of  France  with  her  husband,  R. 
'and  C.  Alsop,  and  her  daughter  Anna — Continued 
interest  in  the  work  and  workers  on  the  Continent 
— Death  of  Robert  Alsop — J.B.B.  liberated  for  his 
second  visit  to  the  U.S.A.— Death  of  A.  P.  Foster 
—  Engagement  of  her  daughter  Anna  to  Dr. 
R.  H.  Thomas — Visit  to  families  in  Banbury 
Monthly  Meeting — J.B.B.'s  return  home. 


IN     the    fifth     month    of    1873    our    father    and 
mother   entered   upon   a   visit   to   the    Meetings 
composing    London    and    Middlesex    Quarterly 
Meeting,   with   liberty   also   to   visit  the  families  of 
Friends  in  some  places,  and  to  hold   public  meet- 
ings  as  the  way  might   open. 

They  held  the  certificate  for  this  service  for 
more  than  a  year,  and  proceeded  with  it  wrhen- 
ever  they  were  able,  spending  one  or  two  days 
in  each  place,  visiting  the  Friends,  and  usually 
having  an  appointed  public  meeting,  as  well  as 
attending  the  regular  meeting.  Several  of  the 
places  were  visited  more  than  once. 


202 


The  home  life  continued  to  be  filled  up  with 
constant  engagements,  and  as  her  children  grew 
up  around  her  our  mother  still  made  all  their 
interests  and  plans  her  own,  being  ever  ready  to 
encourage  and  help  them  forward,  and  using 
every  effort  to  make  their  home  the  happiest 
place  to  them  in  the  world.  Every  detail  of 
their  school  life  was  full  of  interest  to  her,  their 
chosen  friends  were  dear  to  her  even  before  she 
knew  them,  and  were  frequently  invited  to  her 
home,  where  she  always  received  them  with  a 
motherly  greeting,  which  made  them  feel  that 
they  were  truly  welcome. 

Later  on,  as  one  after  another  left  school,  and 
their  circles  of  occupation  widened,  she  still 
retained  her  place  as  the  moving  spirit  amongst 
them,  directing  and  wisely  controlling,  and  always 
encouraging  to  every  effort  for  the  good  of 
others.  She  took  from  the  first  a  deep  interest 
la  the  mission  work  at  Bunhill  Fields,  which 
began  in  1874  with  meetings  held  in  a  tent.  She 
thus  describes  the  first  meeting  :  — 

8th  mo.  ist,  1874.  —  "Dear  Joseph  has  been  very 
much  interested  about  the  tent  that  has  lately  been 
erected  in  the  burying  ground  belonging  to  Friends  in 
Bunhill  Fields.  My  dear  husband  and  I  attended  the 
first  meeting  held  under  this  tent  last  First-day  week 
to  our  satisfaction.  It  holds  about  200  and  it  is 
intended  to  have  meetings  there  every  evening  for 
about  two  months.  May  a  rich  blessing  from  the  Lord 
rest  upon  the  labour,  and  may  many  precious  souls  be 
gathered  to  Christ  their  Saviour." 


AET.  51.  203 

There  seemed  such  an  opening  for  work  here 
that  at  the  close  of  the  Tent  Meetings  a  gathering 
was  called  for  the  purpose  of  organising  the  more 
earnest  minded  of  the  attenders  into  a  band  of 
workers. 

Of   this   our   mother    writes  : — 

loth  mo.  igth,  1874. — "The  tea  that  was  given  to 
the  people  who  had  attended  the  Tent  Meetings  at 
Bunhill  Fields  last  Sixth-day  proved  a  very  interesting 
time.  About  100  came,  and  the  meeting  that  followed 
might,  I  think,  be  called  a  blessed  meeting — there 
seemed  so  much  life  and  earnestness.  Dear  Joseph 
was  asked  to  preside.  He  rose  and  said,  before  enter- 
ing upon  the  business  for  which  they  had  been  con- 
vened, he  should  like  us  all  to  spend  a  short  time  in 
silent  prayer,  lifting  up  our  hearts  to  the  Lord  for 
His  blessing.  A  solemn  pause  ensued  and  then  he 
knelt  down,  offering  up  a  simple,  earnest  prayer  for 
help  and  blessing,  and  for  more  earnest  consecration 
of  heart  to  the  Lord's  service.  It  was  very  touching 
to  hear  the  hearty  'Amen'  to  almost  every  sentence. 
The  names  proposed  for  the  three  branches  of  the 
work,  viz.,  Gospel  work,  Temperance,  and  First-day 
Schools  were  then  read,  the  meeting  signifying  their 
approval  by  show  of  hands,  and  in  some  cases  by 
hearty  cheers.  A.  T.  Alexander  then  said  a  few 
words  of  hearty  welcome  to  the  Bedford  (where  the 
meeting  was  held)  and  of  encouragement  and  cheer  to 
the  workers.  Then  the  object  of  the  Committees  was 
explained,  and  further  details  given  as  to  the  arrange- 
ments, after  which  twelve  names  were  asked  for  to 
volunteer  for  the  work  of  tract  distribution.  These  were 
quickly  and  willingly  given,  indeed  more  than  the 


204  i874. 

required  number,  sixteen  names  being  taken.  I  then 
felt  the  way  open  to  hand  a  few  words  of  encourage- 
ment, and  desire  that  in  all  their  service  for  their 
Lord  and  Saviour  they  might  be  kept  in  humble 
dependence  upon  Him  and  in  watchfulness  unto 
prayer.  A  coloured  man,  one  of  the  earnest  workers, 
who  keeps  a  street  coffee  stall,  next  asked  leave  to 
say  a  few  words.  He  came  upon  the  platform,  and  in 
somewhat  broken  English  encouraged  all  who  had 
undertaken  work  to  do  it  faithfully,  warning  all 
against  what  he  called  a  skin-deep  religion.  William 
Dyne  then  addressed  the  meeting,  comparing  the  work 
begun  that  night  to  the  launching  of  a  vessel,  and 
said  for  his  part  he  was  willing  to  be  anything  or 
nothing  on  board,  to  do  or  be  whatever  might  most 
tend  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls. 
One  of  the  newly-appointed  workers  next  spoke,  saying 
how  deeply  thankful  he  felt  to  be  placed  in  a  position 
to  help  forward  the  Gospel  work.  A  dear  little  boy, 
about  thirteen  years  of  age,  then  offered  up  a  sweet 
and  touching  prayer,  and  several  others  followed  in 
thanksgiving  and  praise.  It  was  past  ten  when  the 
meeting  closed." 

The  work  thus  inaugurated  has  been  abun- 
dantly blessed,  there  being  now  a  regularly 
established  Friends'  Meeting  at  Bunhill  Fields, 
besides  a  large  Adult  School,  First-day  School 
for  children,  Mothers'  Meeting  and  other  branches 
of  Christian  work,  and  although  our  dear  mother 
was  never  one  of  the  active  workers,  it  was  one 
of  the  many  instances  in  which  her  quiet 
influence  was  strongly  felt,  her  loving  sympathy 
and  wise  counsel  being  always  ready  to  stimulate 


AET.  51.  205 

and  encourage  those  of  her  family  who  were  at 
work  there. 

Another  effort,  begun  by  our  parents  about  the 
year  1874,  and  carried  on  ever  since,  was  for 
the  cabmen  belonging  to  the  stand  near  our 
house.  A  copy  of  the  "  British  Workman,"  or 
some  other  periodical  was  sent  monthly  to  each, 
and  towards  the  beginning  of  the  year  they  were 
invited  to  a  tea  meeting.  To  this  invitation  they 
responded  very  heartily  and  soon  asked  leave  to 
bring  their  wives  with  them.  Our  parents,  at 
these  meetings,  spoke  to  them  in  simple,  earnest 
words  of  the  love  of  Christ  their  Saviour,  en- 
treating them  to  come  to  Him  for  forgiveness 
and  for  the  power  by  which  alone  they  could 
be  enabled  to  live  lives  of  purity  and  holiness. 
The  presence  of  the  late  Thomas  B.  Smithies, 
and  some  bright,  helpful  words  from  him,  added 
more  than  once  to  the  interest  of  the  evening, 
and  other  friends  were  also  sometimes  invited  to 
take  part.  The  men  themselves  would  often 
have  a  few  words  to  say,  and  very  encouraging 
it  was  to  hear  one  and  another  testifying  to 
blessing  received,  and  dating  the  change  in  their 
lives  to  some  one  of  these  meetings. 

As  she  became  interested  in  these  men,  our 
mother  sympathised  deeply  with  them  in  the 
temptations  to  which  they  were  daily  exposed, 
and  felt  it  laid  upon  her  to  try  to  do  something 
to  counteract  the  influence  of  a  large  public- 
house,  situated  close  to  the  cabstand,  and  which, 


206 


1875. 


especially  in  cold  or  rainy  weather,  presented 
almost  irresistible  attractions  to  the  poor  men, 
for  whom  no  other  means  of  shelter  or  warmth 
was  provided.  After  prayerful  consideration  she 
resolved  to  try  to  have  a  cabmen's  shelter  erected 
on  their  stand,  and  devoted  considerable  time 
and  effort  to  interesting  her  neighbours  and 
raising  the  necessary  funds.  It  was  a  comfortable 
little  room,  where  there  was  always  a  warm  fire 
in  winter,  and  where  a  cup  of  hot  coffee  or 
chocolate  could  be  procured  at  any  hour. 

On   6th   mo.    I5th,    1875,   our   mother  writes  : — 

"A  very  serious  prospect  has  been  opening  before 
me  lately,  that  of  accompanying  my  beloved  husband 
in  some  religious  service  on  the  Continent — to  the 
Vaudois  Valleys,  and  to  visit  the  few  meetings  of  Friends 
in  the  South  of  France,  and  also  seeking  for  oppor- 
tunities to  meet  with  the  Christian  workers  in  Paris, 
Lyons,  Marseilles,  and  some  other  places.  My  dear 
husband  has  before  him,  in  addition  to  the  above,  a 
visit  to  the  Nazarenes,  if  access  can  be  obtained  for 
him  in  Vienna  and  Pesth,  and  some  parts  of  Hungary." 

This  journey,  which  was  to  exert  an  important 
influence  on  all  the  remaining  years  of  our 
mother's  life,  occupied  more  than  three  months. 
The  travelling  party  consisted  of  our  mother  and 
father  with  their  daughter  Anna,  and  their  two 
dear  friends,  Robert  and  Christine  Alsop.  During 
parts  of  the  time  they  were  accompanied  by 
their  eldest  son,  and  by  Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas,  of 
Baltimore,  U.S.A. 


AET.52.  2°7 

Our   mother  writes,   gth   mo.    ist,    Paris  : — 

"  We  are  leaving  Paris  this  morning  for  Tonnerre, 
where  a  meeting  is  appointed  this  evening.  Our  stay 
here,  short  as  it  has  been,  has  been  a  time  of  deep 
interest.  We  have  had  many  callers,  and  some  sweet 
religious  opportunities,  wherein  I  trust  we  have  been  a 
little  enabled  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  some  of  the 
dear  labourers,  and  our  hearts  have  often  been  lifted 
up  in  secret  prayer  that  the  clouds  of  darkness  and 
unbelief  which  now  hang  over  the  land  may  be  removed, 
and  that  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of 
God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ  may  shine  forth,  and 
the  hearts  of  the  people  be  prepared  to  accept  the 
Gospel  of  Christ  our  Saviour  in  all  its  fulness  and 
freeness  and  living  power.  Dear  Justine  Dalencourt 
and  her  husband  and  little  boy  called  at  the  Hotel 
to  welcome  us  soon  after  we  arrived,  and  Justine 
Dalencourt  spent  most  of  yesterday  with  us." 

Of  the  early  part  of  the  journey  her  daughter 
Anna  writes  : — 

"  Robert  and  Christine  Alsop,  who  had  already 
frequently  gone  over  most  of  the  ground  to  be 
traversed,  accompanied  my  parents,  and  although 
both  were  in  advancing  years,  their  lively  spirits  and 
intimate  acquaintance  with  the  people  and  country 
rendered  them  most  delightful  and  helpful  travelling 
companions.  It  proved  to  be  for  both  of  them  their 
last  visit  to  these  countries. 

"  Our  first  meeting  was  at  Tonnerre,  a  picturesque 
town  on  the  railway  between  Paris  and  Basle.  Here 
we  had  a  meeting  attended  by  at  least  200  working 
men  in  their  blue  blouses,  all  of  them  converts  from 
Romanism.  We  were  greatly  interested  in  the  Pastor, 
M.  Perrenond,  through  whose  efforts  they  had  been 
brought  out. 


208 


1875. 


"At  Basle  meetings  were  held  with  the  young  men, 
both  at  the  Basle  Missionary  Institute  and  at  the 
Krischona.  There  were  about  sixty  students  at  the 
latter  place.  This  institution  is  romantically  situated 
on  a  mountain  side,  a  few  miles  from  Basle.  It  was 
presided  over  by  a  son-in-law  and  daughter  of  Bishop 
Gobat,  of  Jerusalem.  Its  beautiful  cleanliness  and 
simplicity,  and  the  glad  spirit  of  Christian  love  and 
devotion  that  pervaded  it  were  most  impressive.  Here 
candidates  for  the  mission  field  are  trained  in  practical 
ways,  taught  farming,  joinery,  shoemaking,  etc. 

"  We  had  meetings  also  at  Lausanne,  Aix-les-Bains 
and  Chambery ;  thence  proceeding  by  way  of  the  Mont 
Cenis  tunnel  into  Italy,  we  were  soon  amongst  the 
Vaudois  at  La  Tour,  the  principal  town  in  their 
valleys." 

Here   our   mother's  journal   continues  : — 

9th  mo.  i6th,  1875,  5th  day. — "A  meeting  is 
appointed  at  La  Tour  this  evening  with  the  English 
work  people  employed  in  the  silk  mills.  I  feel  very 
thankful  to  be  really  amongst  the  dear  people  of  these 
valleys,  towards  whom  our  hearts  have  been  so  long 
drawn  in  the  love  of  Christ,  and  thus  far  the  way 
has  opened  quite  beyond  our  expectation.  We  have 
already  held  five  meetings,  all  of  them  seasons  of 
divine  favour,  wherein  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  was 
proclaimed  to  hungering  and  thirsting  souls." 

Most  of  the  mountain  churches  round  La 
Tour  were  also  visited — our  father  and  mother 
with  their  interpreter  at  one  time  separating  from 
the  rest  of  the  party  to  visit  one  of  the  remote 
valleys.  Of  this  she  writes  : — 


AET.  52.  209 

9th  mo.  i8th,  Perosa. — "We  arrived  here  this 
morning  after  holding  large  meetings  at  Prarustin  and 
St.  Germain  yesterday,  both  seasons  for  which  I  desire 
to  praise  Thee,  O  .Lord,  in  the  remembrance  of  Thy 
gracious  help  to  Thy  unworthy  servants.  We  hope  to 
have  a  meeting  at  Villeseche  to-morrow  morning  and 
one  at  Pinerolo  on  Second-day." 

Of  our  mother's  intercourse  with  the  families 
of  the  pastors  on  this  journey  her  daughter  Anna 
writes  : — 

"  In  spite  of  her  imperfect  knowledge  of  French, 
she  made  friends  with  many  of  these  interesting  people. 
She  would  often  call  on  me  to  act  as  interpreter  and 
then  seek  to  enter  into  sympathy  with  the  wife  and 
family  of  the  minister,  bringing  forth  little  French  text 
books  and  pictures  for  the  children,  writing  their  names 
in  her  address  book  for  future  use,  etc.,  etc.  In  the 
meantime  father  would  be  carrying  on  a  lively  conver- 
sation, sometimes  partly  in  Latin,  with  the  pastor 
himself.  The  shelf  of  books  would  be  examined,  and 
it  was  most  interesting  to  find  in  some  of  these 
ministers'  homes,  far  up  among  the  mountains,  at 
Rora,  Bobbi,  Villaro,  etc.,  books  in  Latin,  Greek, 
German,  and  other  languages.  It  was  then  scarcely 
twenty-five  years  since  Victor  Emmanuel  had  relieved 
the  Vaudois  from  various  oppressive  laws  under  which 
they  had  been  labouring  up  to  that  time,  e.g.,  they 
were  not  allowed  to  learn  Italian.  This  was  to  prevent 
them  from  spreading  their  doctrines  amongst  the  sur- 
rounding Roman  Catholic  population.  Then  they  were 
strictly  confined  within  their  valleys,  between  Turin  and 
the  Swiss  frontier,  and  were  not  allowed  to  practise 
the  more  learned  professions,  or  to  engage  in  the  more 

15 


2IO 


1875- 


lucrative  trades.  But  although  they  had  only  been  in 
the  enjoyment  of  their  new  privileges  so  short  a  time, 
they  already  had  a  theological  seminary  at  Florence 
and  had  established  mission  churches  in  most  of  the 
Italian  cities,  even  as  far  south  as  Sicily.  I  remember 
listening  in  the  "Temple"  at  La  Tour  to  an  eloquent 
address  in  Italian  by  one  of  their  evangelists,  Signor 
Quatreni,  from  Palermo.  He  told  them  that  God  had 
preserved  the  Vaudois  in  their  mountain  fastnesses  for 
the  very  purpose  of  carrying  the  pure  Gospel  to  the 
whole  of  Italy.  Now  the  time  had  come,  and  Italy  lay 
at  their  feet  waiting  for  them  to  go  in  and  possess  it. 
Father  and  Robert  Alsop  had  also  some  interesting 
opportunities  with  the  pastors  and  with  the  students  at 
the  boarding  school  at  La  Tour,  and  we  all  visited 
the  Girls'  Orphanage,  and  had  one  or  two  very  pleasant 
social  gatherings  with  the  professors,  pastors,  etc.,  at 
our  hotel." 

On  leaving  La  Tour  our  mother  writes  : — 
9th  mo.  25th,  Valence. — "  A  public  meeting  in  the 
Protestant  place  of  worship  was  held  here  last  evening 
to  our  comfort.  It  was  well  attended.  This  morning 
we  go  to  Congenies,  where  to-morrow  we  expect  to 
enter  upon  our  service  amongst  our  dear  Friends  in 
the  South  of  France.  May  the  fresh  anointing  be 
graciously  bestowed  upon  us,  and  may  we  be  kept  day 
by  day  very  near  unto  Thee,  our  God,  feeling  that  all 
our  sufficiency  is  in  Thee  alone.  We  left  La  Tour  at 
five  o'clock  on  Fifth-day  morning.  Our  visit  to  the 
valleys  has  been  a  time  of  deep  interest,  and  peace 
and  praise  filled  my  soul  as  we  rode  along  to  Pinerolo. 
Great  has  been  Thy  goodness  to  us,  Thy  unworthy 
children,  O  Lord,  and  if  Thy  blessing  has  attended 
our  little  service,  which  we  can  reverently  believe  it 


AET-52.  211 

has,  let  all  the  glory  and  all  the  praise  be  Thine  now 
and  for  evermore.  The  love  of  the  dear  pastors  in  the 
valleys  has  been  great  towards  us,  and  when  we 
parted  from  them  it  seemed  like  parting  from  old 
friends.  May  the  Lord  make  the  people  in  those 
lovely  valleys  yet  more  and  more  a  living  church  to 
His  praise." 

Of  the  visit  to  the  South  of  France  her 
daughter  writes  : — 

"  Returning  to  France,  we  held  another  meeting  at 
Chambery,  and  visited  Valence,  Lyons,  Marseilles, 
Montmeyran,  and  the  Friends  at  Nimes,  Congenies, 
Fontan6s,  and  St.  Giles.  Here  again  my  mother's 
loving  heart  enabled  her  to  overcome  the  bar  of  lan- 
guage, and  to  get  very  close  to  dear  Lea  Trial  at 
Marseilles,  and  to  many  other  earnest  workers,  as  well 
as  to  the  Friends  in  their  home  life  and  interests.  I 
well  remember  the  day  we  spent  at  Fontan6s  with  the 
family  of  Samuel  Brun.  His  aged  father,  Daniel  Brun, 
was,  I  believe,  the  last  of  the  "prophets,"  as  they 
were  called,  the  descendants  of  the  Camisards.  This 
old  Friend  would  occasionally  break  forth  when  the 
spiritual  influence  came  upon  him  in  a  remarkable 
strain  of  preaching  and  exhortation.  He  did  so  during 
our  visit,  when  walking  round  his  farm  with  my  parents, 
but,  to  my  great  regret,  I  did  not  hear  him.  We  were 
shown  the  curious  vaulted  chamber  underground,  which 
had  been  used  as  a  meeting-place  by  the  Huguenots 
in  the  days  of  persecution.  The  gentle  mother  of  this 
family,  Felice  Brun,  a  sister  of  Anna  Vally,  interested 
us  much.  To  avoid  the  military  service  for  their  four 
sons,  the  Brun  family  afterwards  emigrated  to  America, 
and  now  reside  at  College  Park,  California." 


212  187S. 

To   return   to   our   mother's  journal  : — 

Florence,  loth  mo.  i8th,  Second-day. — "We  have 
now  accomplished  our  visit  to  the  Friends  in  the  South 
of  France,  and  held  meetings  in  some  other  places. 
The  Lord  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  open  our 
way  before  us  from  place  to  place,  and  to  give  strength 
for  the  varied  services  to  which  we  have  been  called. 
In  looking  back  my  heart  overflows  with  thanksgiving 
and  praise.  Our  dear  friends  Robert  and  Christine 
Alsop  are  still  with  us.  Their  companionship  and 
cordial  unity  in  the  work  have  been  a  great  help  to 
us.  My  heart  is  humbled  this  evening  under  a  sense 
of  all  the  Lord's  mercies.  Good  accounts  yesterday  of 
all  our  dear  children,  and  so  much  every  way  to  be 
thankful  for.  Truly  can  my  soul  praise  Thee,  Thou 
covenant-keeping  God  and  Saviour,  and  afresh  commit 
all  to  Thy  faithful  care." 

Finding  there  were  openings  for  service  among 
the  Vaudois  in  some  of  the  Italian  cities,  as  well 
as  in  their  Piedmont  valleys,  the  party  now 
returned  into  Italy,  and  some  busy  and  fruitful 
days  were  spent  at  Turin,  Milan,  Florence,  and 
Rome.  Our  father  then  went  northwards  by 
Venice  to  Vienna,  where  he  was  joined  by  Dr. 
Thomas,  who  accompanied  him  in  a  visit  to  the 
Nazarenes  there  and  at  Buda  Pesth,  whilst  the 
rest  of  the  party  spent  two  weeks  in  Paris, 
actively  engaged  in  visiting  the  meetings  of  the 
McAll  Mission  and  of  other  Protestant  workers 
of  that  great  city.  Our  mother  writes  : — 

Paris,    nth   mo.    gth. — "We   were  joined  here  by  my 
dear  husband  and  Dr.   Thomas  early  on  First-day,  and 


AET.52.  213 

yesterday  afternoon  we  had  an  interesting  meeting  at 
our  hotel  with  many  of  the  pastors  and  Christian  workers 
here ;  about  twenty  attended.  It  seemed  a  sweet  wind- 
ing up  to  our  service  in  this  large  city,  where  our 
Heavenly  Father  has  condescended  to  bless  us  from 
day  to  day  with  the  sense  of  His  love  and  presence, 
causing  our  cup  to  overflow  with  thanksgiving  and 
praise.  Now  we  are  waiting  here  to  see  dear  Eli 
Jones,  from  America,  and  Henry  Newman  and  A.  LI. 
Fox,  who  are  expected  to  arrive  to-day  on  their  way 
to  Syria,  and  then  we  hope  to  return  home.  I  feel 
that  it  is  of  the  Lord's  mercy  that  we  have  been  thus 
strengthened  for  this  long  and  arduous  journey.  Surely 
it  has  been  for  His  own  work's  sake,  and  to  Him  be 
all  the  praise  and  all  the  glory.  We  are  indeed 
nothing — Christ  is  all." 

Fifth-day,  i2th  mo.  i6th. — "  We  have  been  at  our 
own  dear  home  five  weeks  to-day — so  swiftly  does  the 
time  pass  over.  I  hope  our  late  journey  may  still  be 
fruitful  of  some  good  in  years  to  come ;  I  very  much 
desire  that  we  may  keep  alive  our  interest  in  the  dear 
Christian  people  with  whom  we  have  become  acquainted, 
and  that  we  may  be  enabled  from  time  to  time,  by 
letter  or  such  opportunity  as  may  be  given,  to  cheer 
them  on  in  their  work  of  faith  and  labour  of  love. 
O  Lord,  give  me  a  large  heart  and  loving  tender 
sympathy  with  all  who  love  Thee  everywhere." 

The  interests  awakened  on  this  journey  con- 
tinued to  call  forth  her  loving  sympathy  and 
earnest  effort  to  the  end  of  her  life.  With  many 
of  the  Christian  workers,  whom  she  then  met  for 
the  first  time,  she  kept  up  a  regular  correspon- 
dence, whilst  all  were  sharers  in  the  yearly 


214  1876. 

remembrances,  consisting  of  cards  containing 
mottoes  or  texts,  which  she  was  accustomed  to 
send  to  her  friends  at  the  New  Year.  These 
messages  she  chose  with  much  thought  and 
prayer,  often  accompanying  them  with  a  few 
lines  of  loving  greeting,  and  many  of  the 
recipients  have  testified  to  the  help  and  encourage- 
ment received  from  them.  The  last  New  Year 
of  her  life  she  sent  about  fifty  of  these  messengers 
to  the  continent  of  Europe. 

Very  soon  after  their  return  from  this  journey r 
on  ist  mo.  i6th,  1876,  our  mother  writes  : — 

"Already  a  break  is  made  in  our  little  circle  who 
travelled  together  so  lately  on  the  Continent.  Dear  Robert 
Alsop  died  very  suddenly  last  Third-day  evening  about 
eleven  o'clock.  During-  the  day  he  had  made  several  calls 
upon  invalids  with  his  dear  wife,  and  retired  to  rest 
apparently  in  usual  health  ;  in  a  few  minutes  his  breathing- 
became  oppressed,  and  before  any  restoratives  could  be 
administered,  his  spirit  had  passed  away  to  the  home  above » 
Whilst  rejoicing  for  him  in  so  blessed  a  translation  from 
earth  to  Heaven,  we  feel  deeply  our  own  loss  ;  his  humble, 
loving  spirit  had  greatly  endeared  him  to  us,  and  for  his 
dear  wife  our  kindest  sympathy  is  awakened.  My  dear 
friend  and  cousin  A.  P.  Foster  is  also  apparently  very  near 
her  end,  and  in  a  very  suffering  state.  How  changing  are 
all  things  here.  May  I  more  and  more  seek  to  be  found 
pressing  on  towards  the  rest  in  Heaven." 

3rd  mo.  i5th,  1876. — "My  dear  husband  has  been  feel- 
ing for  some  time  past  that  he  is  called  to  pay  another  visit 
to  the  Meetings  of  Friends  in  America,  and  it  seems  as 
though  the  coming  autumn  would  be  the  right  time.  I  feel 


AET.53-  2I5 

enabled  to  give  him  up  for  this  service,  and  I  have  a  sweet 
trust  that  he  and  we  shall  be  cared  for,  and  that  the  Lord 
will  supply  all  our  need." 

1 6th. — "  Our  Monthly  Meeting,  at  which  my  dear 
husband  was  encouraged  to  pursue  the  prospect  before 
him  with  the  full  unity  of  his  friends.  The  meeting 
for  worship  was  a  very  sweet,  heavenly  time,  to  my 
own  soul  most  precious ;  and  a  precious  covering  of 
good  seemed  to  continue  over  us  throughout  the  meeting 
for  business. 

"  On  my  return  home  I  received  the  intelligence  of 
the  death  of  my  dear  cousin,  Ann  Penn  Foster,  this 
morning.  She  has  been  very  ill  for  some  months,  and 
passed  away  very  peacefully,  I  believe  to  be  for  ever 
with  Him  whom  she  loved.  Once  lately  when  I  went 
to  see  her  she  told  me  that  she  was  leaning  on  One 
who  had  loved  her  through  many  trials,  and  on  my 
adding,  '  and  who  will,  I  believe,  love  thee  to  the 
end,'  she  pressed  my  hand  and  said,  '  I  believe  He 
will.'  I  feel  her  loss  as  an  old  and  faithful  and  ever 
loving  friend.  How  many  are  gone  with  whom  I  have 
been  wont  to  take  sweet  counsel  by  the  way ;  but 
how  delightful  to  look  forward  to  the  meeting  place  in 
heaven ;  no  sad  separations  there,  no  sorrow,  no  sin — 
all  peace  and  joy,  and  that  for  ever  and  for  ever- 
more." 

6th  mo.  8th,  1876. — "  How  many  weeks  of  deep 
interest  have  passed  over  since  I  last  wrote  in  this 
book.  To  day  I  am  expecting  my  dear  mother  and 
sister  to  pay  us  a  little  visit.  I  spent  a  few  days  at 
Banbury  before  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  thought  my 
dear  mother  increasingly  feeble.  The  Yearly  Meeting 
just  over  has  been  a  time  of  renewed  blessing  from 
the  Lord — such  precious  seasons  oftentimes,  and  so 


2l6 


1876. 


much  love  prevailing ;  indeed  it  often  seemed  like  a 
little  foretaste  of  the  joys  of  heaven.  We  had  Rufus 
King  and  Edward  L.  Scull  from  America,  as  our  guests, 
also  Eliza  Brewer  and  Rachel  Cronkhite  part  of  the 
time,  and  Caroline  E.  Talbot  and  her  husband  for  a 
few  days.  It  is  one  of  our  greatest  privileges  to  have 
so  much  of  the  company  of  the  Lord's  dear  messengers." 

In  the  summer  of  this  year  their  daughter 
Anna  became  engaged  to  Dr.  Richard  H.  Thomas, 
of  Baltimore,  who  had  accompanied  them  in  some 
part  of  their  Continental  journey  in  the  previous 
autumn,  and  who  had  since  been  pursuing  medical 
work  in  London.  This  engagement  met  with  our 
mother's  warm  approval,  and  she  entered  heartily 
into  sympathy  with  the  young  people  in  their 
happiness,  whilst  feeling  very  deeply  all  that  was 
involved  in  the  probable  separation.  As  our  father 
was  about  to  enter  upon  his  visit  to  America, 
and  Dr.  Thomas  was  ready  to  return  home  and 
practise  in  Baltimore,  it  was  arranged  that  they 
should  cross  the  ocean  together.  On  8th  mo.  3rd, 
our  mother  writes  : — 

"  We  were  favoured  to  part  under  a  sweet  sense 
of  the  presence  of  the  Lord  with  us  to  comfort  and 
sustain,  and  the  words,  '  Certainly  I  will  be  with 
thee,'  have  been  sounding  in  my  heart  almost  ever 
since,  like  a  pledge  of  future  blessing." 

"  My  mind  has  often  lately  been  much  turned  in  a 
feeling  of  Gospel  love  to  the  dear  friends  who  are 
members  of  Banbury  Monthly  Meeting;  it  may  be  that 
I  may  have  to  visit  them  in  their  families.  Sometimes 


AET.53-  2I7 

I  feel  exceedingly  discouraged,  especially  when  I  look 
at  my  own  great  weakness,  but  if  Thou  art  pleased, 
O  Lord,  to  put  forth  and  to  make  my  path  plain,  I 
desire  to  go  in  Thy  strength,  knowing  that  all  my 
sufficiency  is  in  Thee." 

This  concern  continued  to  rest  upon  her  heart, 
and,  having  obtained  a  minute  from  her  Monthly 
Meeting,  as  soon  as  the  younger  children  had 
returned  to  school,  she  went  with  the  rest  to 
Banbury,  and  was  able  to  accomplish  the  [visits, 
returning  home  in  the  loth  month.  Our  father 
was  still  absent  in  America,  but  she  was  cheered 
by  receiving  good  accounts  of  his  health,  and  on 
i2th  mo.  25th,  she  writes  : — 

"  My  dear  husband  reached  home  safely  this  morn- 
ing to  our  great  joy.  It  has  been  to  us  all  a  day  of 
thankful  rejoicing,  peace  and  praise." 


2l8 


1877. 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 

Illness  early  in  1877 — Yearly  Meeting — Isaac  Sharp's 
journey — Stay  at  Sidmouth — Visits  to  families  in 
her  own  Monthly  Meeting,  etc. — Illness  of  M. 
Gillett — Marriage  of  her  daughter  Anna — Yearly 
Meeting  of  1878 — Visit  of  her  husband  to  Western 
Yearly  Meeting— Death  of  C.  R.  Alsop— Who  will 
carry  on  the  work  in  France  ? — Enters  upon  the 
work — Extract  from  last  French  Report. 

THE  early  part   of  1877   found  our  dear  mother 
again   confined   to   the   house   for  five  or  six 
weeks    with    one    of    the     heavy     bronchial 
colds    from    which     she     now    so    often     suffered. 
During   this   time   she   writes  : — 

2nd  mo.  4th.  First-day. — "  Not  out  at  Meeting,  but 
a  day  of  sweet  quiet  enjoyment.  How  good  the  Lord 
is  to  me  in  bringing  home  to  my  soul  so  many  prec- 
ious assurances  of  His  love  and  mercy  towards  me,, 
spiritually  and  temporally.  My  blessings  are  more 
than  I  can  number,  and  I  am  not  worthy  of  the 
least.  Our  dear  children  have  been  home  for  their 
vacation,  and  are  returned  to  school.  It  has  been  a 
comfort  to  mark  the  work  of  divine  grace  in  their 
hearts,  and  I  bless  the  Lord  for  His  mercy  toward 
them.  ...  I  long  that  all  my  dear  children  as 
they  grow  up  may  go  forth  into  the  world  useful 
characters,  and  be  made  through  the  sanctifying  power 
of  divine  grace  faithful  witnesses  for  Christ." 


AET.54-  2I9 

6th  month  nth,  1877.  —  "The  Yearly  Meeting  is 
now  over.  It  has  been  a  time  of  rich  blessing  from 
the  Lord,  for  which  I  feel  very  thankful.  Isaac  Sharp, 
now  over  70  years  of  age,  was  liberated  for  such 
service  as  may  open  in  Africa,  at  the  Cape,  in  Mada- 
gascar, Australia,  New  Zealand,  Canada,  and  in  the 
United  States,  should  he  be  spared  to  reach  them  on 
his  way  home.  How  instructive  the  faith,  love  and 
zeal  of  this  dear  servant  of  the  Lord.  May  such  an 
evening  sacrifice  be  abundantly  blessed,  and  be  pro- 
ductive of  much  fruit  to  the  glory  and  praise  of  God." 

7th  mo.  29th,  1877.  Sidmouth. — "I  arrived  here 
yesterday  with  all  our  dear  children,  except  Joseph, 
and  he  and  my  dear  husband  hope  to  join  us  before 
long.  We  are  in  very  comfortable  lodgings,  and  the 
rest  and  quiet  of  to-day  have  been  greatly  enjoyed. 
I  hope  to  visit  some  of  the  cottagers  this  evening  to 
distribute  tracts,  and  if  the  way  opens  read  with  some 

of  them.  This  morning  dear  knelt  in  prayer 

after  our  morning  reading.  I  often  wish  my  dear 
children  could  know  to  the  full  how  much  it  gladdens 
my  heart  to  see  them  devoted  to  the  service  of  Christ 
their  Saviour." 

8th  mo.  1 2th. — "  Dear  and  have  to 

leave  us  to-morrow  on  their  way  to  school.  They  are 
a  great  comfort  to  me.  Increase  their  love  to  Thee 
more  and  more  I  pray  Thee,  Heavenly  Father,  and  use 
them,  if  it  please  Thee,  for  the  promotion  of  Thy  king- 
dom upon  earth.  Whilst  I  am  writing  this  the  sea  is 
sparkling  before  me  like  thousands  of  gems — so  very, 
very  beautiful.  May  my  heart  this  day  be  lifted  up 
from  the  cares  of  earth,  and  may  I  as  a  little  child 
rest  in  the  love  and  faithfulness  of  my  God  and 
Saviour." 


220  1877-78. 

8th  mo.  26th.  Sidmouth. — "Our  stay  here  has  been 
one  of  sweet  quiet  and  rest,  and  calm,  pure  enjoy- 
ment in  one  another's  companionship  and  love,  and  in 
the  beauties  around  us.  At  our  last  Monthly  Meeting1 
my  dear  husband  was  liberated  to  visit  the  families  of 
Friends  in  Westminster  and  Longford  Monthly  Meeting, 
and  in  Devonshire  House  and  Tottenham  Monthly 
Meetings;  also  to  attend  meetings  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  our  Quarterly  Meeting,  where  his  mind  may  feel 
drawn.  I  may  feel  it  right  to  accompany  him  in  some 
of  the  visits,  especially  in  our  own  Monthly  Meeting. 
May  the  Lord  make  use  of  me  as  He  sees  meet,  and 
ever  give  the  willing  heart  in  His  blessed .  service,  be 
it  what  it  may,  either  in  doing  or  in  suffering,  in  joy 
or  in  sorrow,  in  the  little  or  the  much." 

Qth  mo.  i8th.  Banbury. — "  Yesterday  I  was  tele- 
graphed for  to  come  to  my  dear  mother,  who  was 
taken  ill  on  Sixth-day  evening  about  seven  o'clock, 
with  a  paralytic  seizure.  She  entirely  lost  the  use  of 
one  side  till  this  afternoon,  when  the  power  seems  a 
little  returning.  When  taken  on  Sixth- day  she  said  the 
passage  was  brought  very  sweetly  to  her  remembrance, 
"  Fear  not,  for  I  am  with  thee ;  be  not  dismayed  for 
I  am  thy  God."  I  am  very  thankful  to  be  able  to 
assist  in  watching  over  and  caring  for  this  beloved 
parent.  Her  patience  and  resignation  are  very  instructive, 
her  soul  is  stayed  upon  her  God." 

9th  mo.  23rd. — "My  dear  mother  continues  to  im- 
prove. I  have  spent  many  sweet  hours  in  her  sick 
chamber,  where  I  often  feel  as  though  we  were  per- 
mitted to  enjoy  a  little  foretaste  of  heaven." 

Her  mother's  health  continued  slowly  to  improve, 
and   although   she   never  fully   regained   the   use  of 


AET.  54-55-  221 

her  limbs,  she  recovered  sufficiently  to  come  down- 
stairs for  a  part  of  every  day,  and  was  spared  to  us 
all  for  nearly  five  years  longer.  Our  mother 
returned  home  from  Banbury  early  in  the  Tenth 
Month,  and  the  following  winter  was  very  closely 
occupied  with  home  duties,  several  visits  with  her 
husband  to  the  meetings  round  London,  two  or 
three  journeys  to  Banbury  to  see  her  mother, 
about  whom  she  continued  to  feel  anxious,  and 
the  needful  preparations  entailed  by  the  prospect 
of  the  first  break  in  their  happy  home  circle,  in 
the  marriage  of  her  daughter  Anna  in  the  spring. 
The  wedding  was  fixed  for  the  28th  of  3rd 
month,  and  on  the  nth  Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas,  with 
his  aunt,  Julia  Valentine,  and  his  sister  Mary, 
reached  London.  The  two  latter  intended  to  spend 
some  time  in  England,  and  to  attend  the  Yearly 
Meeting.  Our  mother  writes  : — 

4th  mo.  3rd,  1878. — "Last  Fifth-day  our  dear  Anna 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Dr.  Richard  H.  Thomas,  of 
Baltimore.  The  meeting"  at  Westminster  was  a  favoured 
time — my  dear  husband  was  engaged  in  prayer  at  the 
commencement — Caleb  R.  Kemp,  Christine  R.  Alsop, 
Isaac  Robson  and  S.  E.  Chalk  spoke  in  the  ministry 
and  A.  S.  Ashworth  near  the  close  in  prayer.  Thirty- 
nine  sat  down  at  the  house  to  the  wedding  breakfast,  our 
dear  brother  Isaac  Braithwaite  amongst  the  number. 
Before  dear  Richard  and  Anna  left  us  the  I45th  and 
I2ist  Psalms  were  read,  and  we  were  again  blessed 
together  with  the  sense  of  the  presence  of  our  dear  Lord 
and  Redeemer  as  a  sweet  seal  to  the  union  entered 
into.  Thus  have  we  been  helped  through  a  day  of 


222  I878_79. 

much  deep  interest  and    feeling,   and  feel    that    we   can 
together  praise  the  Lord  for  His  goodness." 

4th  mo.  28th. — "Our  precious  Anna  sailed  with  her 
husband  yesterday  for  New  York.  They  spent  nine 
days  with  us  here  after  a  very  enjoyable  wedding 
journey.  It  was  delightful  to  see  a  little  of  them  again. 
We  had  many  sweet  times  together,  and  help  was 
graciously  given  for  the  parting  hour." 

During  the  Yearly  Meeting  our  father  was 
appointed  one  of  a  deputation  to  visit  Western 
Yearly  Meeting,  and  for  any  other  service  that 
might  open  on  the  American  Continent.  In 
reference  to  it  our  mother  writes  : — 

"  I  desire  to  leave  it  all  in  the  Lord's  hands,  but 
it  is  an  inexpressible  trial  just  now  to  have  to  give  up 
my  dear  husband  for  this  distant  service." 

7th  mo.  6th,  1878. — "It  is  arranged  for  our  dear 
Joseph  to  go  to  America  with  my  dear  husband  in  the 
"Abyssinia,"  the  3rd  of  next  month.  I  often  feel  the 
prospect  a  good  deal,  but  I  desire  to  be  trustful  and 
hopeful,  and  I  do  earnestly  long  for  a  more  cheerful 
willingness  to  give  up  my  precious  husband  to  the 
Lord's  service." 

8th  mo.  nth,  First-day. — "It  is  now  rather  more 
than  a  week  since  I  parted  from  my  beloved  husband. 
Very  often  I  have  been  permitted  to  feel  an  inex- 
pressible nearness  of  spirit,  almost  as  though  we 
were  not  separated,  and  this  has  been  very  comforting 
to  me." 

During  his  absence  she  spent  about  five  weeks 
at  Hastings  with  some  of  her  children,  on  account 
of  the  health  of  one  of  her  sons.  She  was  also 


AET.  55-56.  223 

for  a  short  time  at  Banbury,  and  then  went  to 
Liverpool  to  welcome  her  husband  on  his  return 
home,  and  they  together  paid  a  little  visit  to 
their  children  and  relatives  in  the  north,  and 
reached  London  in  the  nth  month. 

In   the   spring    of    1879    our    mother    had    the 
joy  of  hearing  of  the  birth  of  her  first  grandchild. 

The  next  entry  is  as  follows  : — 
6th  mo.  22nd,  1879. — "Another  dearly  loved  friend 
and  fellow-labourer,  Christine  R.  Alsop,  is  gone  home. 
She  died  on  Fifth-day  morning,  the  igth  of  this  month, 
at  the  house  of  Rachel  Rickman  and  her  sister  at 
Wellingham,  near  Lewes,  where  she  was  visiting  with 
her  sister  Lydia  Majolier  and  Anna  Vally.  She  had 
seemed  better  than  usual  during  our  late  Yearly  Meeting 
and  was  able  to  attend  most  of  the  sittings.  I 
generally  sat  beside  her,  and  her  voice  was  not 
unfrequently  heard  amongst  us  in  testimony  and  prayer. 
She  spent  Seventh-day  evening,  the  3ist  of  last  month, 
at  our  house.  This  was  the  last  time  that  I  saw 
her.  That  evening  she  gave  us  a  copy  of  the  little 
memoir  of  her  late  dear  husband,  which  she  had  just 
completed  for  private  circulation.  It  seemed  to  be  a 
great  satisfaction  to  her  that  it  was  accomplished.  She 
was  at  the  meeting  at  Lewes  last  First-day  morning, 
where  she  spoke  and  also  interpreted  for  her  sister. 
In  the  afternoon  she  did  not  feel  very  well,  but  no 
danger  was  anticipated  till  Fourth-day  night  when  she 
became  very  delirious.  Early  on  Fifth-day  morning  a 
doctor  was  sent  for,  who  informed  them  she  was  dying. 
On  her  sister  saying  'Thou  art  going  to  thy  beloved,' 
she  replied,  ''Jesus  is  my  Beloved,'  then  'The  time 
of  my  deliverance  is  come,'  and  again  '  My  beloved  is 


224  1879- 

mine  and  I  am  His,'  which  were  her  last  words. 
Our  journey  on  the  continent  together  to  the  south  of 
France  and  to  the  Vaudois  Valleys,  and  as  far  as 
Rome  in  1875,  and  our  frequent  intercourse  at  other 
times  had  united  us  very  closely  together,  and  I  feel 
that  I  have  lost  a  very  dear  and  honoured  friend.  I 
am  expecting  Justine  Dalencourt  from  Paris  this  evening 
to  stay  with  us  over  the  funeral.  Who  will  carry  on 
the  work  in  France,  in  the  place  of  our  dear  departed 
friend  ?" 

As  the  last  question  rested  on  our  mother's 
heart  in  prayerful  consideration,  she  felt  called 
upon  herself  to  enter  into  this  field  of  labour, 
and  from  this  time  till  the  end  of  her  life  she 
was  the  English  centre  of  the  Friends'  missionary 
work  in  France.  In  entering  upon  it  she  writes  : 
"  I  feel  so  unworthy,  but  Thou,  O  Lord,  canst 
qualify  and  strengthen,  if  it  be  Thy  will  that  I 
should  engage  in  it "  ;  and  when  Justine  Dalen- 
court tried  to  express  her  gratitude  that  with  her 
large  family  and  busy  life  she  should  undertake 
so  arduous  a  task,  she  replied,  "  I  did  not  choose 
it,  but  I  feel  it  an  honour  and  a  privilege  to  be 
entrusted  by  my  Master  with  such  a  service." 

Those  who  have  read  "  Memorials  of  Christine 
Alsop,"  by  Martha  Braithwaite,  will  remember 
that  this  work  had  been  inaugurated  in  1871, 
during  C.  R.  Alsop's  visit  to  France  at  the  close 
of  the  Franco-German  war.  The  great  concern 
on  her  heart  was  "to  do  something  to  help  her 
poor  countrymen,  and  she  was  thankful  to  meet 
with  Justine  Dalencourt,  who,  having  herself  been 


AET.  56.  225 

brought  out  of  the  bondage  of  Romanism  to 
rejoice  in  the  light  and  liberty  of  the  Gospel 
of  Christ,  had  gathered  together  in  her  own 
house  some  of  her  poor  neighbours,  and  was  there 
teaching  them  to  sew  and  knit,  and  telling  them 
at  the  same  time  of  the  love  of  Jesus  to  their 
souls.  Before  returning  home,  C.  R.  Alsop  was 
able  to  establish  four  of  these  sewing  classes  in 
Paris  or  the  neighbourhood,  besides  some  in  other 
parts  of  the  country,  so  that  she  writes  : — "  It 
appears  from  the  accounts  we  have  received 
from  the  different  points  that  there  are  now  not 
less  than  200  women  and  girls  brought  under  the 
influence  of  our  devoted  workers."  She  also  says, 
speaking  of  the  Meeting  at  Boulogne-sur-Seine, 
under  the  care  of  Justine  Dalencourt  : — "  We  were 
comforted  in  witnessing  the  remarkable  success 
of  this  undertaking,  not  only  in  the  rapid  increase 
of  the  numbers,  but  also  in  the  marked  effect 
produced  by  the  care  bestowed  on  these  poor 
women,  who  were  previously  so  completely  in 
ignorance  of  the  truths  of  the  Gospel.  This 
part  of  the  work  is  so  satisfactory  that  it  repays 
me  for  any  amount  of  trouble  we  may  have  had 
in  Paris."  During  the  intervening  years,  from 
1871  to  1879,  when  our  mother  was  appointed 
treasurer,  the  work  had  been  steadily  continued 
and  developed  under  the  superintendence  of  a 
committee  of  English  Friends,  of  which  she  had 
been  an  active  and  interested  member  ;  but  she 
felt  that  now  that  the  chief  responsibility  of  the 

16 


226 


1879- 


correspondence  and  collection  of  the  needful  funds 
was  to  devolve  upon  her,  she  ought  herself  to 
visit  Paris  and  make  herself  personally  acquainted 
with  the  workers  and  the  various  details  connected 
with  the  work.  Of  this  journey  she  writes  : — 

8th  mo.  6th,  1879. — "  Since  I  last  wrote  in  this  book 
dear  Elizabeth  and  I  have  spent  ten  days  in  Paris,  as 
I  felt  best  satisfied  to  go  and  endeavour  to  get 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  work  there.  This  object 
has,  I  trust,  been  accomplished.  Each  First-day  morn- 
ing a  little  meeting  was  held  in  Justine  Dalencourt's 
sitting-room,  which  were  felt  to  be  times  of  rich 
blessing  from  the  Lord.  Besides  accompanying 
J.  Dalencourt  in  her  work  from  day  to  day,  I  attended 
the  prayer  meeting  for  Robert  Mac  All's  workers  held 
at  his  house,  and  one  of  his  meetings  at  the  Rue  de 
Rivoli,  and  another  at  Montsouri,  at  the  latter  of  which 
the  way  opened  for  me  to  preach  the  Gospel,  a  young 
Englishman  interpreting.  I  also  attended  the  prayer 
meeting  held  at  George  Pierce' s  for  the  workers  con- 
nected with  the  two  French  publications,  "  L'Ami  de  la 
maison,"  and  "  Le  Rayon  de  Soleil,"  and  with  the  Tract 
Depot.  Here  I  had  an  opportunity  of  manifesting  my 
sympathy  for  them,  for  which  I  felt  thankful.  One 
evening  we  took  tea  with  Pastor  Dugand,  his  wife  and 
family,  and  afterwards  attended  his  week-day  evening 
meeting  in  the  Wesleyan  Chapel,  where  he  kindly 
made  way  for  me  to  express  what  was  on  my  mind. 
Altogether  I  have  felt  great  comfort  in  this  visit,  and 
I  desire  to  return  thanks  unto  Him  who  hath  been 
with  me,  and  strengthened  me  for  the  service,  to 
whom  be  all  the  praise." 


AET.  56.  227 

During  this  visit  our  mother  attended  each  of 
the  four  Mothers'  Meetings  then  held  in  Paris  and 
the  suburbs,  under  the  care  of  Friends,  and  all 
more  or  less  superintended  by  Justine  Dalencourt, 
and  was  also  with  them  on  the  day  of  their 
annual  summer  treat,  when  they  visited  the 
11  Jardin  des  Plantes."  In  this  way  she  gained 
a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  needs  of  the 
work  and  became  acquainted  with  those  who 
were  helping  it  in  Paris,  and  from  this  time  to 
the  end  of  her  life  she  was  unwearied  in  her 
loving  care  and  thought  for  it.  The  correspondence, 
both  with  English  Friends  and  with  those  engaged 
abroad,  was  no  small  undertaking,  and  the  interests 
of  the  work  were  constantly  increasing  as  fresh 
doors  opened  before  the  workers  and  new  Meet- 
ings were  started  in  other  localities.  During  her 
last  illness  she  was  busy  preparing  the  annual 
report  of  the  work,  and  a  short  extract  from  it, 
with  the  lines  at  the  end,  composed  during  a 
night  of  much  suffering,  may  find  an  appropriate 
place  here,  showing,  as  they  do,  the  spirit  in 
which  she  entered  into  and  carried  on  this 
work  : — 

"Another  year  has  passed  over  since  our  last  report ; 
another  year  calling  for  thanksgiving  and  praise  to 
our  Father  in  heaven,  and  fraught  with  fresh  encour- 
agement to  us  all  to  continue  to  sow  the  seed  as 
"beside  all  waters,  to  lose  no  opportunity  of  proclaiming 
the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  to  poor  perishing 
sinners.  Life  is  short  and  hastening  on  apace ;  let  us 


228 


1879. 


seek  to  be  faithful  and  diligent  through  the  'little 
while '  that  may  yet  be  allotted  us  upon  earth,  that 
so  we  may  be  permitted  to  gather  much  fruit  unto 
life  eternal. 

"  The   Master  draweth  near 

To  bless  the   seed  we   sow, 
To  guide  to  fruitful   places, 
And  make   it  bud   and  grow. 

"  Upon   His   strength  relying, 

Why  should  we  faint  or  fear? 
For  His   salvation   cometh ; 
His  glory  draweth  near." 

"  Our  weakness   and   His   might, 

Together  forth   shall   shine, 
And  we   shall  thankfully   confess 
His  was  the  work  divine." 


AET.  56.  229 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

Visits  to  Worthing  and  Banbury — Serious  illness  of  her 
Mother — Engagement  of  her  eldest  son — Engage- 
ment of  her  daughter  Elizabeth — Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas 
comes  to  England  for  his  health — Bridlington — 
"Memorials  of  Christine  Alsop  " — Yearly  Meeting 
of  1 88 1  —  Alarming  illness  —  Partial  Recovery  — 
Journey  to  Mont  Dore  and  stay  there — Life  as  an 
invalid — Visit  to  Banbury — Winter  at  Falmouth  and 
Torquay — Death  of  her  Mother. 


ON    her    return    from    Paris    our    dear    mother 
went  with  her  family  to  Worthing,  and  after- 
wards to  Banbury  for  a  few   weeks,    during 
which   time  our  grandmother  had    another    serious 
attack  of  illness,    from   which,  after    many   fluctua- 
tions,  she   recovered,    though    it    left  her   increas- 
ingly feeble.     It  was  a  great  comfort  to  our  mother 
to   be  with   her. 

On  her  return  home,  she  writes  : — 

"  Here  we  have  many  engagements  closely  succeed- 
ing each  other,  and  whilst  desiring  to  be  diligent  in 
using  the  openings  for  service,  I  feel  the  need  for  my- 
self of  daily  dependance  upon  God  and  of  being  much 
in  prayer  for  the  heavenly  blessing.  .  .  .  Oh  for 
diligence  and  faithfulness,  for  more  love  to  Him  who 


i88o. 

hath  loved  me  and  redeemed  me,  and  for  more  love 
to  the  souls  of  poor  perishing  sinners,  and  may  I  more 
and  more  realize  for  myself  the  language,  'To  me  ta 
live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain.'  ' 

At  the  beginning  of  1880  her  eldest  son  became 
a  partner  in  the  firm  of  Foster  and  Braithwaite, 
of  which  his  uncle,  Isaac  Braithwaite,  was  then 
the  head,  and  a  few  months  later  was  engaged  to 
be  married  to  A.  S.  Gillett.  Both  these  events  are 
recorded  by  our  mother  as  cause  for  humble  thank- 
fulness. 

The  same  summer  her  journal  mentions  the 
engagement  of  her  daughter  Elizabeth  to  George 
Henry  Emmott,  the  eldest  son  of  Thomas  and 
Hannah  Emmott,  of  Oldham,  and  adds,  "  May  they 
both  be  strengthened  in  their  heavenward  course, 
and  may  they  be  made  true  helpers  one  to  another 
in  the  Lord.  The  prayer  of  my  soul  is  for  all  our 
dear  children :  i  Choose  Thou,  O  Lord,  their  in- 
heritance for  them.' " 

At  this  time  she  had  the  great  joy  of  a  visit 
from  her  daughter  Anna  and  her  baby.  She  went 
herself  to  meet  them  at  Liverpool,  and  a  few  weeks 
afterwards  accompanied  them  to  Banbury,  where 
her  dear  mother,  though  very  feeble,  was  well 
enough  to  enjoy  and  take  a  warm  interest  in  the 
little  great-grand-child,  whom  she  now  saw  for 
the  first  time. 

In  the  8th  month  a  short  visit  was  paid  to 
Paris  by  our  father  and  mother  in  order  to  make 
some  fresh  arrangements  with  regard  to  the  Depot 


AET.57-  23 1 

Central  and  the  publication  of  the  two  French 
Periodicals,  "  L'Ami  de  la  Maison  "  and  "  Le  Rayon 
de  Soleil."  Of  this  visit  she  says  : — "  During  our 
stay  a  meeting  for  worship  was  held  on  First-day 
morning  at  the  house  of  dear  Justine  Dalencourt, 
and  we  sat  down,  fourteen  in  all.  It  was  truly  a 
time  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 
One  evening  we  spent  very  pleasantly  with  Gustave 
Monod  and  his  family,  and  another  at  Armand  de 
Lille's,  where  we  met  about  twenty  of  the  Christian 
workers  in  Paris,  pastors  and  others,  a  time  of 
great  enjoyment  and  uniting  fellowship  in  the 
Lord,  and  I  hope  we  were  enabled  a  little  to 
cheer  them." 

A  few  weeks  were  spent  in  the  autumn  at 
Bridlington  Quay,  in  Yorkshire,  where  her  son-in- 
law,  Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas,  who  had  come  to  England 
on  account  of  his  health,  was  one  of  the  party. 

The  following  extract  from  her  journal  shows 
her  continued  watchfulness  for  opportunities  of 
doing  good  : — 

Bridlington  Quay,  8th  mo.  2ist.  —  "We  have  had 
many  sweet  times  together  at  this  place,  and  I  have 
found  some  little  service  for  my  dear  Saviour  amongst 
the  inmates  of  the  Convalescent  Home,  to  whom  I  often 
read  and  speak  when  they  are  sitting  out  for  the  air 
on  the  top  of  the  cliff ;  and  I  have  had  one  interest- 
ing reading  with  them  at  the  Home,  when  a  larger 
number  were  gathered.  I  have  also  been  several  times 
to  the  Sailors'  Bethel,  where  a  good  work  seems  to  be 
going  on." 


232  i88i. 

After  much  prayerful  deliberation  it  was 
arranged  for  Dr.  Thomas  and  his  wife  to  winter 
in  Vienna,  with  a  view  to  his  medical  studies, 
as  well  as  rest  and  quiet.  Our  dear  father  ac- 
companied them  thither. 

In  the  spring  of  this  year,  1880,  our  mother 
had  begun  the  compilation  of  a  memoir  of 
Christine  Alsop,  which  she  felt  to  be  a  labour 
of  love,  and  upon  which  she  bestowed  much 
time  and  thought.  All  through  the  year,  but 
especially  in  the  winter  of  1880  and  1881,  she 
was  very  frequently  confined  to  the  house  with 
a  heavy  bronchial  cold  and  cough,  and  she 
employed  much  of  the  leisure  thus  afforded 
from  active  duties  in  reading  over  the  journals 
and  letters,  and  preparing  the  manuscript.  She 
says,  in  reference  to  it  : — 

2nd  mo.  I2th,  1881. — "It  is  a  very  pleasant  and 
instructive  occupation,  and  I  shall  feel  very  thankful  if 
I  am  enabled  to  give  to  her  friends  and  to  the  world 
some  record  of  her  useful  and  interesting  life.  It  is 
my  earnest  desire  and  prayer  that  the  Lord  may  bless 
its  perusal  to  many  hearts,  in  stimulating  to  faithful- 
ness and  diligence  in  the  occupation  of  the  talents 
committed  to  our  care." 

3rd  mo.  8th,  1881.— "The  first  sheets  of  the  Memoir 
of  C.  R.  Alsop  came  from  the  printers  this  evening. 
I  was  alone  at  the  time,  and  before  opening  it  I  felt 
constrained  on  the  bended  knee  to  ask  for  the  Lord's 
blessing  upon  this  very  humble  labour,  that  the  reading 
of  the  Memoir  may  be  blessed  to  the  conversion 
of  souls,  and  to  the  help  and  encouragement  of  many." 


AET.  58.  233 

Though  feeling  far  from  well  she  entered  upon 
the  Yearly  Meeting  with  her  accustomed  energy 
and  interest ;  but  a  severe  and  alarming  attack 
of  haemorrhage  from  the  lungs  laid  her  suddenly 
aside  on  the  second  day  of  the  meetings. 
Dr.  James  C.  Thomas,  who  was  staying  at  the  house, 
promptly  did  all  that  could  be  done  for  her  relief. 
Absolute  quiet  was  of  course  necessary,  and  after 
a  few  days  the  hope  was  entertained  that  her 
life  might  still  be  spared  a  little  longer.  About 
three  weeks  later  she  writes  in  her  journal  in 
retrospect  of  this  time  : — 

"It  is  with  humble  thankfulness  that  I  can  say, 
feeling  as  I  do,  utterly  unworthy  of  so  great  a  mercy, 
that  in  the  time  of  greatest  danger  I  was  favoured  to 
feel  calm  and  peaceful.  The  fear  of  death  was  taken 
away  and  the  Lord  gave  me  that  glorious  hope  which 
is  full  of  immortality  and  eternal  life.  I  have  felt  in 
this  illness  as  if  I  had  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  celes- 
tial City,  though  the  remaining  length  or  shortness  of 
the  way  thither  is  mercifully  hidden  from  my  view." 

As  soon  as  she  was  sufficiently  recovered  she 
went,  by  the  recommendation  of  Dr.  Wilson  Fox, 
to  spend  two  months  at  Mont  Dore  in  the 
centre  of  France.  It  was  a  great  trial  to  her 
to  leave  home  just  then,  as  her  son  Joseph  and 
daughter  Elizabeth  were  both  to  be  married 
during  the  coming  autumn.  In  allusion  to  this 
in  her  journal,  she  says  : — 

"  I  desire  to  be  resigned  to  the  divine  will,  and  to 
have  my  heart  open  to  receive  all  the  blessing  that 


234  i88i. 

may  be  in  store  for  me  in  this  unexpected  withdrawal 
from  home  and  the  loved  ones  there.  How  much  com- 
fort there  is  in  those  words,  'It  is  God  that  ordereth 
all  thing's  for  me.' ' 

It  was  arranged  that  Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas  and 
one  of  her  daughters  should  accompany  her  to 
Mont  Dore.  The  dear  invalid  was  a  good  deal  • 
fatigued  with  the  long  journey,  but  soon  revive.d 
with  perfect  rest  and  the  pure  mountain  air ; 
and  the  "  treatment,"  although  it  appeared  very 
exhausting,  seemed  to  have  a  beneficial  effect. 
During  most  of  the  time  they  had  comfortable 
quarters  in  a  little  chalet  just  outside  the  town, 
which  our  mother  thus  describes  : — 

"The  hills  at  the  back  of  the  Chalet  run  up  into 
the  pine  woods.  It  feels  more  like  home  than  the 
hotel,  and  I  look  upon  it  as  in  the  ordering  of  my 
Heavenly  Father  that  they  have  room  to  take  us  in. 
As  I  sit  with  my  window  open  the  little  river  Dor- 
dogne,  which  flows  along  the  valley,  sounds  just  like 
the  sea,  adding  another  charm  to  the  beauty  of  the 
landscape." 

Though  thus  separated  from  them,  her  thoughts 
were  much  with  her  daughter  and  son  as  the 
wedding  days  drew  near,  and  when  on  each 
occasion  a  telegram  was  sent,  telling  her  that 
everything  had  passed  off  satisfactorily,  she  rejoiced 
in  their  joy,  and  welcomed  warmly  to  her  heart 
the  son  and  daughter  thus  added  to  the  family 
circle.  She  had  continued  steadily  to  gain  strength 
during  her  stay  at  Mont  Dore,  and  was  able  to- 


AET.  58.  235 

start    for    home    early    in    the    9th    month,    with 
greatly   improved   health.     She   says  : — 

"  After  resting  part  of  a  day  at  Clermont  Ferrand 
and  one  day  in  Paris,  we  were  favoured  to  reach  home 
safely  on  the  evening  of  Fifth-day,  the  8th,  escaping 
by  one  day  a  fearful  railway  accident  on  the  line  we 
passed  over,  wherein  nineteen  persons  lost  their  lives 
and  many  were  much  injured.  It  was  a  very  joyful 
meeting-  to  us  all." 

Although  our  dear  mother  felt  so  much  better 
on  her  return  home,  yet  it  soon  became  evident  to 
herself,  as  it  already  was  to  her  friends,  that  after 
so  serious  an  attack  as  that  from  which  she  had 
just  recovered,  she  could  never  expect  to  lead 
again  the  same  active  life  she  had  done  in 
the  past.  During  the  remaining  years  of  her 
life,  though  at  times  feeling  very  nicely  and  able 
to  accomplish,  as  we  shall  see,  a  great  deal,  yet 
she  was  always  more  or  less  of  an  invalid, 
requiring  constant  watchful  care,  and  being  obliged 
very  frequently  to  spend  the  winter  away  from 
home,  in  some  warmer  and  more  genial  climate 
than  that  of  London.  To  one  of  her  active 
temperament,  so  long  accustomed  to  think  of 
and  care  for  others,  rather  than  herself,  it  was 
difficult  to  become  reconciled  to  the  altered 
conditions  which  such  a  life  involved  ;  yet  in 
these  years  of  weakness  and  withdrawal  from 
more  active  service  she  became  a  beautiful 
example  of  quiet  cheerfulness  and  trust,  and  was 
still,  as  she  always  had  been,  ever  on  the 


236 


i88i. 


watch  to  lose  no  opportunity  of  service  for 
her  Lord  and  Master,  and  thus  it  was  that  the 
love  and  sympathy  which  she  poured  out  upon 
all  with  whom  she  came  in  contact  made  her 
still  a  centre  of  wide-spread  influence. 

During  the  summer  our  grandmother's  health 
had  been  very  feeble,  and  it  was  a  great  delight 
when,  very  soon  after  the  return  from  Mont  Dore, 
mother  and  daughter  mingled  their  thanksgivings 
and  rejoicings  at  being  once  more  permitted  to 
meet  in  this  world.  She  had  also  very  much 
wished  to  visit  her  newly  married  daughter  in 
her  home  at  Wilmslow  near  Manchester,  but 
a  journey  so  far  north  was  thought  unsuitable 
for  her  at  this  late  season  of  the  year.  Indeed 
the  doctors  were  afraid  for  her  to  remain  in 
London,  and  it  was  therefore  arranged  that  she 
should  go  to  Falmouth  for  the  winter.  She  writes  : — 

"It  is  a  trial  to  look  to  being  away  from  home  so 
long,  but  I  know  that  my  dear  Heavenly  Father  is 
ordering  for  me  all  things  well,  and  I  have  had  a 
fresh  proof  of  His  love  and  tender  care  over  me  in  the 
generous  and  unexpected  offer  of  cousin  Joseph  Whitwell 
Pease's  house  for  my  accommodation.  May  the  Lord 
keep  me  watchful  during  this  resting  season,  and  may 
He  cause  my  light  to  shine  brightly  to  His  praise,  and 
draw  me  very  near  unto  Himself  in  sweet  communion, 
giving  me  to  drink  deeply  of  the  fulness  of  His  love 
in  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord." 

Kerrisvean,  Falmouth,  loth  mo.  24th,  1881. — "Here 
I  am  surrounded  by  every  outward  comfort  and  by 
kind  relatives  and  friends  near  at  hand.  The  view  from 


AET.58.  237 

the  drawing-room  and  my  bedroom  window  over  the 
bay  is  very  lovely,  with  a  fine  wooded  foreground.  Thou 
hast  appointed  my  earthly  habitation  in  pleasant  places, 

0  Lord.      I   bless    Thee    and  praise    Thee   for  all    Thy 
love    and    tender    mercy,    and    oh,    how    does    my    soul 
crave    that    it    may    be    given    me    to     dwell     also     in 
heavenly   places    in  Christ   Jesus — that  the    dross  which 
still  remains   in  me  may  be  purged  away,  that  I  may  be 
purified    and    made    meet    for    Thy    service,   whether  on 
earth    or    in    heaven.       When    I   look   at   myself,    I    see 
myself   vile,    sinful,   and    unworthy,  but  when   I    look  at 
Christ,      I      see     Him     my     all-sufficient     Saviour,     my 
righteousness   and  my   strength." 

nth  mo.  20th,  1881. — "I  am  enjoying  the  quiet 
alone  whilst  the  rest  of  our  party  are  gone  to  meeting. 
Lovell  Squire  and  cousin  Alfred  Lloyd  Fox  have  been 
taking  tea  with  us,  and  their  company  has  been 
cheering  and  refreshing.  This  time  of  rest  and  quiet 
is  very  acceptable  to  soul  and  body.  I  have  been 
thinking  much  of  that  language,  '  Come  ye  yourselves 
apart  and  rest  awhile.'*  The  disciples  were  called  apart 
by  their  Lord  and  Saviour  to  rest  with  Him,  to  learn 
more  of  His  love,  to  gather  fresh  strength  for  the 
future.  May  it  be  even  so  with  me  also." 

At  the  end  of  3rd  month  she  left  Falmouth 
and  went  for  about  six  weeks  to  Torquay,  some 
members  of  her  family  being  with  her  all  the 
time.  The  beautiful  country  was  a  source  of 
constant  and  great  enjoyment  to  her.  She  writes  : — 
Torquay,  Devonshire,  4th  mo.  2nd. — "  Greatly  have 

1  enjoyed  a   short  walk  amongst  the    lovely    evergreens 

*  It  was  about  this  time  that  she  wrote  the  hymn  on  these  words,  beginning 
"Called  apart,  but  oh,  how  gently."— See  Fireside  Hymn  Book,  p.  254,  last 
edition. 


1882. 

and  bright,  beautiful  flowers  with  my  precious  husband 
by  my  side.  If  this  earth  is  so  fair  and  beautiful,  what 
will  be  the  inexhaustible  delight  of  that  Paradise  above, 
where  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter  anything  that 
defileth — where  the  glory  of  God  shall  lighten  it,  and 
the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof." 

The  accounts  of  our  grandmother's  health 
during  the  winter  had  often  been  very  poor, 
and  our  mother  longed  to  see  her  once  more, 
so  arranged  to  go  to  Banbury  direct  from 
Torquay.  From  Banbury  she  writes  : — 

"We  arrived  in  the  evening  of  5th  mo.  i5th,  and  the 
next  morning  my  dear  mother  was  nicely,  for  her.  She 
was  so  very  much  pleased  to  have  me  here,  and  I 
enjoyed  sitting  beside  her  and  talking  of  the  Lord's 
love  and  faithfulness  and  tender  care  over  us  both, 
during  our  rather  long  separation.  That  afternoon 
spasms  came  on,  and  my  dear  mother  from  that  time 
continued  gradually  to  sink.  Her  weakness  was  extreme, 
but  she  bore  all  with  unmiirmuring  patience.  She 
retained  her  consciousness  to  the  last.  Very  often  she 
wished  to  have  the  hymn  read  to  her — 

'Jesus,  lover  of  my  soul.' 

Her  consideration  for  others  never  forsook  her ;  if  she 
saw  me  at  her  bedside  in  the  night  she  was  most 
anxious  that  I  should  lie  down  again.  Many  times 
over  she  beckoned  us  all  to  her  and  kissed  us,  but 
was  too  weak  to  speak.  Sixth-day  night  was  a  very 
distressing  one  from  weakness  and  exhaustion.  In  the 
morning  of  Seventh-day,  the  2/th,  she  again  motioned 
for  her  hymn, — 

'  Jesus,  lover  of  my  soul.' 

Whilst  we  were  dining  I  was  sent  for.  I  found  that 
she  was  dying.  The  others  came  up,  and  we  all  stood 


AET.  59.  239 

around  the  bed,  I  holding  her  dear  hand.  I  said  a 
few  words  of  comfort  to  her  which  I  believe  she  under- 
stood ;  then  she  looked  for  a  few  minutes  at  each  one, 
and  her  eyes  closed  for  ever.  It  was  a  solemn,  touch- 
ing time.  She  fell  asleep  at  ten  minutes  past  two 
o'clock,  aged  eighty-four  years  and  about  five  months. 
I  knelt  in  prayer,  giving  thanks  that  through  redeem- 
ing love  and  mercy  an  entrance  had  been  granted  her, 
as  we  faithfully  believed,  into  the  heavenly  kingdom,  to 
go  no  more  out  for  ever.  I  feel  inexpressibly  thankful 
that  I  have  been  .permitted  to  be  here  to  help  to 
minister  to  the  comfort  of  this  tenderly  beloved  parent 
in  her  closing  hours.  The  dear  remains  look  very 
lovely  in  death.  They  seem  to  speak  her  perfect  peace. 
Every  time  I  stand  beside  them  I  feel  how  blessed 
are  they  who  have  died  in  the  Lord." 

6th  month  3rd,  1882. — "  Yesterday  the  remains  of 
our  precious  mother  were  consigned  to  their  last  earthly 
resting  place,  in  the  same  grave  with  those  of  my 
beloved  father,  in  the  burial  ground  here.  All  her 
children  were  present,  and  a  very  large  company  of 
grandchildren  and  nieces  and  nephews  followed  from 
the  house." 

The  meetings  both  at  the  grave-side  and  in 
the  Meeting  House  were  very  favoured  times. 


240  1882, 


CHAPTER   XX. 

First  visit  to  her  Daughter  at  Wilmslow — Winter  at 
Falmouth — Her  Husband  and  Son  leave  for  journey 
to  the  East — Epidemic  of  typhoid  fever — Illness  of 
one  of  her  Sons — Journey  of  her  Husband  to  Canada 
— Serious  carriage  accident  and  his  subsequent 
illness — His  return  home — A  quiet  winter  together — 
Visits  from  her  Children — Changes  in  the  family 
circle — Marriage  of  Mary  C.  Braithwaite  to  Dr.  W. 
N.  Whitney  and  their  departure  for  Japan — G.  H. 
Emmott  accepts  Professorship  in  Baltimore — Her 
son  George  appointed  sub-agent  for  the  Bible 
Society  in  Japan — Marriage  of  her  daughter  Martha 
to  G.  S.  Baker — Correspondence  with  her  absent 
Children  and  with  others. 


OUR  mother's  health   was   sufficiently  improved 
for    her   to    pay   a    visit   to  Wilmslow  during 
the  summer  of   1882,  and  she  much   enjoyed 
the    beautiful    country,    and    was    able    to    attend 
the   meeting  there,   of   which    she  writes  : — 

"Gracious  help  was  given  in  my  great  weakness, 
again  to  proclaim  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 
This  is  a  sweet,  peaceful  little  home  for  our  dear 
children.  The  country  around  Wilmslow  and  Alderley  is 
exceedingly  beautiful,  quite  surpassing  all  I  had  expected 
to  find — so  many  fine  trees  and  such  a  beautiful 
variety  of  them,  and  the  gardens  around  the  private 


AET.  59-60-  241 

houses  just  now  looking  so  bright  with  flowers.  The 
rhododendra,  which  are  much  cultivated  here,  are  now 
in  full  bloom." 

Later  on,  a  few  weeks  were  spent  at  the 
seaside,  the  illness  of  one  of  her  sons  making 
this  change  necessary.  As  the  winter  came  on  it 
seemed  wisest  for  her  not  to  remain  in  London, 
so  she  went  again  to  Falmouth,  where  she 
remained  till  early  in  4th  mo.,  1883.  Amongst  the 
many  passing  interests  referred  to  in  her  journal 
during  her  stay  there,  were  the  birth  of  a  little 
grand- daughter  at  Wilmslow,  and  the  opening  of 
the  Friends'  School  for  girls  at  Nimes,  in  the 
south  of  France,  in  which  her  husband  and 
daughter  had  been  greatly  interested.  She  enjoyed 
visits  from  her  husband,  and  also  from  some  other 
members  of  the  family,  and  was  able  to  be  out 
a  great  deal,  and  often  to  attend  meeting,  and  her 
health  seemed  steadily  to  improve  during  the 
whole  winter.  On  her  return  home  she  enjoyed 
a  week's  visit  from  her  daughter  Elizabeth  with 
her  husband  and  little  one,  and  afterwards  went 
with  her  daughter  and  the  baby  to  Banbury  for  a 
few  days. 

In  yth  mo.,  1883,  she  writes  at  312,  Camden 
Road  :— 

"  I  returned  to  this  loved  home  with  my  dear 
Rachel,  on  the  6th  of  the  6th  month,  apparently  in 
usual  health  and  strength,  but  the  next  morning  I  was 
taken  seriously  ill,  and  for  many  weeks  was  quite  confined 
to  bed.  Now,  through  the  Lord's  tender  mercy,  I  am 

17 


242  i883. 

daily  gaining  strength,  though  at  present  not  equal  to 
mixing  much  with  the  family  circle.  My  pen  cannot 
record  the  lovingkindness  of  the  Lord  to  me,  His  un- 
worthy servant,  for  in  the  time  of  proving,  when  the 
illness  was  most  heavy  upon  me,  so  that  I  could  not 
for  several  days  even  collect  my  thoughts  for  prayer, 
all  fear  of  death  was  taken  away,  and  such  an  abiding 
sense  was  granted  of  the  love  of  my  precious  Saviour, 
that  I  felt  able  to  leave  all  in  His  hands.  It  was 
the  more  remarkable  because  for  some  weeks  before 
this  illness  I  had  often  had  seasons  of  deep  discourage- 
ment about  myself,  tempted  by  the  great  enemy  to 
doubt  whether  after  all  I  was  really  a  child  of  God — • 
Now,  throughout  this  illness,  and  many  proving  seasons 
that  have  been  appointed  me  in  connection  with  my 
dear  husband's  prospect  of  extensive  service  in  the 
East,  and  our  dear  George's  serious  illness  and 
departure  for  America,  my  soul  has  been  filled  with 
peace  and  joy  and  praise.  Often  when  lying  on  my 
bed  it  has  been  an  exceeding  delight  to  me  to  medi- 
tate on  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  my  Saviour,  and 
I  feel  as  though  the  half  had  not  been  told,  and 
that  I  can  indeed  afresh  set  my  seal  to  the  reality 
of  those  exceedingly  precious  words,  "  He  loved  me, 
and  gave  Himself  for  me" 

After  recovering  from  this  attack,  our  dear 
mother  continued  very  nicely  through  the  summer, 
though  it  was  in  many  respects  a  very  anxious 
and  trying  one.  Early  in  the  8th  month  she 
records  with  thankfulness  the  birth  of  her  first 
little  grandson.  Then  came  the  parting  from  her 
husband  and  son  William,  for  their  long  journey 
in  the  East  in  the  interests  of  the  Bible  Society, 


AET.  60.  243 

with  the  prospect  of  being  absent  for  nearly  six 
months.  Charles  E.  B.  Reed,  and  one  of  her 
nephews,  were  also  of  the  party.  The  all  but 
fatal  termination  of  our  dear  father's  eastern 
journey  in  1872  made  it  a  great  exercise  of 
faith  on  our  mother's  part  to  give  him  up  for 
this  service.  After  their  departure  an  epidemic  of 
typhoid  fever,  which  had  broken  out  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Camden  Road,  became  more 
severe,  and  many  weeks  of  anxiety  followed,  during 
which  her  loving  heart  was  deeply  touched  by 
the  great  sorrow  this  time  of  illness  brought  to 
her  brother  and  sister,  George  and  Hannah  E. 
Gillett,  whose  two  dear  daughters  were  gathered 
to  the  heavenly  home.  Our  mother  remained 
at  home  most  of  the  time,  doing  what  she 
could  to  help  and  comfort  those  who  were  ill, 
but  in  Qth  month  went  to  Wilmslow,  and 
thence  to  see  her  relatives'  at  Kendal,  and  after- 
wards spent  some  weeks  at  Grange-over-Sands, 
and  then  at  Banbury  on  her  way  home.  The 
health  of  one  of  her  sons  had  during  the  summer 
caused  anxiety,  but  after  taking  a  voyage  to 
America,  where  he  spent  some  months,  he  returned 
home  in  the  I2th  month  very  much  better. 
Meanwhile,  continued  good  accounts  had  been 
received  of  our  father  and  all  their  party,  and 
soon  after  returning  to  London  our  mother  writes  :— 

1 2th  mo.  1 6th,  1883. — "  After  three  weeks  without  a 
letter  from  my  beloved  husband,  I  received  one  last 
Fifth-day,  dated  from  Jerusalem,  deeply  interesting.  In 


244  i884. 

these  scenes  of  hallowed  interest,  he  has  had  the 
greatest  enjoyment,  and  both  he  and  the  rest  of  the 
party  have  been  graciously  kept  in  health.  They  were 
returning  to  Brumana,  and  propose  to  leave  Beyrout 
for  Smyrna  and  Greece  on  the  i8th,  so  that  then  their 
faces  will  be  really  homeward,  though  we  cannot 
expect  them  for  some  time.  About  a  week  since  the 
doctors  made  a  thorough  examination  of  my  chest.  I 
had  hoped  I  was  better  than  they  seem  to  think  I 
am.  It  is  to  me  very  evident  that  I  shall  never  again 
have  the  strength  that  I  once  had  for  active  service 
for  my  Saviour ;  but  so  that  His  will  is  done  in  me, 
by  me,  and  through  me,  I  am  content,  and  I  long  to 
be  kept  watchful  that  neither  the  weakness  nor  the 
weariness  of  the  poor  earthly  tabernacle  may  lull  my 
soul  into  a  state  of  spiritual  slumber.  More  than  ever 
I  have  need  that  my  lamp  may  be  kept  trimmed  and 
burning,  that  whensoever  the  Bridegroom  cometh  I 
may  with  joy  go  forth  to  meet  Him,  We  are  about 
making  some  slight  alterations  in  the  house,  at  Dr. 
Wilson  Fox's  suggestion,  with  a  view  to  my  beingp 
kept  as  much  as  possible  in  one  temperature,  and  then 
it  is  thought  I  may  safely  remain  here  through  the 
winter  amongst  my  family,  which  I  feel  to  be  cause 
for  great  thankfulness." 

2nd  mo.  7th,  1884. — "  Yesterday  morning  my  dear 
husband,  our  dear  William,  and  our  nephew,  reached 
us  in  health  and  safety,  and  in  the  sweet  sense  of 
overflowing  peace.  It  was  a  time  of  rejoicing,  thanks- 
giving and  praise.  The  Lord  has  been  better  to  me 
than  all  my  fears.  The  language  seems  to  come 
home  especially  to  me  at  this  season,  '  O  thou  of 
little  faith,  wherefore  didst  thou  doubt?'" 


AET.  61.  245 

In  the  spring  our  mother  seemed  rather  more 
poorly  again,  and,  not  being  equal  to  the  fatigue 
of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  she  went  to  Banbury  for 
a  few  weeks.  Whilst  there  she  writes  : — 

5th  mo.  26th,  1884. — "  My  dear  husband  spent  a 
few  hours  with  me  this  morning"  to  tell  me  of  the  pro- 
posal of  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  send  him  as  one  of  a 
deputation  to  Canada.  I  have  been  again  helped  to 
give  him  up  for  this  service,  if  it  is  the  Lord's  will, 
though  there  are  times  when  my  heart  seems  to  fail 
me  in  looking  at  the  long  and  distant  separation  it 
must  involve ;  but  I  trust  in  Thee,  O  Lord,  to  support 
and  comfort  me ;  Thou  hast  never  yet  failed  me,  and 
Thou  wilt  not  fail  me  now;  be  pleased  to  keep  me 
continually  resting  in  Thy  love." 

6th  mo.  8th,  First-day. — "  On  Sixth-day  evening  I 
parted  with  my  precious  husband  for  his  long  journey 
to  Canada.  Dear  Thomas  Harvey,  William  Robinson, 
and  Thomas  Pumphrey  go  with  him.  May  they  be 
made  instrumental  in  gathering  souls  to  Christ,  and 
may  the  blessing  promised  to  the  peacemakers  be  their 
portion." 

In  the  seventh  month  she  paid  a  little  visit 
to  her  daughter  at  Wilmslow,  and  then  on  to 
Grange  for  a  few  weeks,  from  which  place  she 
writes  : — 

8th  mo.  1 7th,  First-day  evening. — "  I  was  able  both 
last  First-day  and  this  to  attend  the  little  meeting  at 
Cartmel,  about  two  miles  distant.  I  had  a  little  to 
communicate  on  both  occasions,  under  a  sense  of  abound- 
ing weakness  and  infirmity.  Were  it  not  for  the  love 
of  Christ  constraining,  I  feel  that  I  should  never  open 
my  lips  in  public,  but  again  and  again  does  the  call 


246  1884. 

seem  renewed  to  tell  unto  others  the  unsearchable  riches 
that  are  in  Him,  my  Saviour  and  Redeemer.  From  my 
beloved  husband  I  am  favoured  to  have  good  accounts. 
I  often  count  the  weeks  till  his  return,  and  long  to 
share  again  his  endearing  society,  but,  though  we  are 
so  far  outwardly  separated,  we  are  very  near  in  spirit, 
and  it  is  a  sweet  privilege  to  feel  that  I  have  one  so 
precious  to  give  up  for  Thy  blessed  service." 

Soon  after,  on  the  3rd  of  Qth  month,  a  tele- 
gram was  received  from  Picton,  Ontario,  with 
.the  news  that  our  father  had  met  with  a  serious 
carriage  accident,  causing  a  compound  fracture  of 
the  right  arm.  After  receiving  it  our  mother 
wrote  in  her  journal : — 

"  The  Lord  has  graciously  given  strength  and  quiet 
trust  in  this  time  of  need,  enabling  me  on  the  bended 
knee  to  commit  this  tenderly  beloved  one,  in  his  weak- 
ness and  suffering,  to  His  care  and  keeping.  I  felt 
comforted  afterwards,  beyond  what  I  could  have 
expected,  and  the  promise  has  been  present  to  my 
mind  all  through  the  day,  "  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in 
perfect  peace  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  Thee,  because 
he  trusteth  in  Thee." 

The  impossibility  of  her  going  to  him,  and 
the  length  of  time  before  letters  could  be  received, 
made  this  a  very  anxious  time  for  our  dear 
mother,  but  she  was  kept  in  quiet  trust,  and  on 
the  nth  was  greatly  cheered  by  receiving  a 
telegram  reporting  "good  progress/'  signed  by 
her  son-in-law,  Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas,  thus  showing 
that  he  was  at  Picton,  ministering  to  our  father's 
needs. 


AKT.  61.  247 

When  the  longed-for  letters  did  at  last  arrive, 
which  was  not  till  about  the  2oth,  they  told 
how,  in  addition  to  the  compound  fracture  of 
the  arm,  there  had  been  serious  injuries  to  the 
head  and  face,  rendering  him  unconscious  for 
some  hours,  and  of  the  kindness  of  Dr.  Bower- 
man  and  his  wife,  to  whose  house  he  had  been 
conveyed,  and  where  he  was  being  tenderly 
nursed  and  cared  for.  The  accident  had  been 
a  "very  serious  one,  and  his  progress  towards 
recovery  was  very  tedious,  and  it  was  not  till 
nearly  the  end  of  the  loth  month  that  he  was 
well  enough  to  be  moved  to  his  daughter's  home 
in  Baltimore.  His  son  William  went  over  to  join 
him  there  to  help  in  the  nursing,  and  to  be 
ready  to  accompany  him  on  the  voyage  home. 

On  loth  mo.  26th,  after  passing  through  much 
anxiety  on  account  of  our  father's  slow  and 
suffering  recovery,  our  mother  writes  : — 

"  Some  of  the  accounts  of  my  beloved  husband 
have  been  very  poor  ones,  but  though  feeling  deeply 
at  times,  I  have  been  kept  from  distrusting  my  gracious 
God  and  Saviour.  Often,  especially  in  the  night  season, 
when  lying  awake  thinking  of  all  the  helplessness  and 
suffering  that  my  beloved  husband  is  now  passing 
through,  and  of  all  that  is  involved  to  us  and  to  him 
in  this  dispensation,  the  consolations  of  Christ  have 
so  abounded  in  my  soul  that  I  have  felt  at  seasons 
as  if  I  could  sing  for  joy." 

On    nth   mo.   3oth   she   writes: — 
"  After  a  quiet,   restful   day   at  home  last    First-day, 
I   had    a    slight    return    of    haemorrhage    whilst  retiring 


248 


1884-85. 


to  rest,  more  than  I  have  had  since  my  severe  attack. 
This  has  made  me  afresh  feel  the  great  uncertainty  of 
life,  that  I  may  be  called  away  at  any  moment.  I 
earnestly  desire  to  live  each  day  as  if  it  were  to  be 
my  last,  resting  on  the  precious  words,  '  He  loved  me 
and  gave  Himself  for  me*  By  the  advice  of  my  kind 
physician,  Dr.  Wilson  Fox,  I  am  now  keeping  entirely 
to  my  bedroom  and  adjoining  sitting-room  for  a  few 
weeks,  and  am  not  allowed  to  engage  in  conversation. 
There  is  no  feeling  of  illness,  so  that  it  is  a  time  of 
great  enjoyment  in  many  ways — perfect  rest,  which  is 
very  acceptable,  the  society  and  loving  care  of  my 
dear  children,  and,  more  than  all,  a  blessed  sense  of 
the  presence  of  my  dear  Saviour,  calming  every  anxious 
thought  with  the  assurance  that  He  knows  and  will 
provide  for  me,  giving  faith  and  patience  and  resig- 
nation according  to  my  need.  My  prayer  is  that  I 
may  be  kept  from  settling  down  in  a  state  of  ease  or 
self-indulgence — that  I  may  be  watchful  to  embrace 
every  opportunity  of  doing  good — that  I  may  maintain 
the  warfare  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ,  remem- 
bering that  Satan  has  his  temptations  suited  for  every 
state  we  can  be  brought  into,  and  that  to  the  very 
end  the  follower  of  the  Lord  Jesus  must  watch  and 
pray,  even  until  he  shall  be  made  more  than  conqueror 
through  Him  who  hath  loved  him." 

It  was  not  until  the  i8th  of  the  I2th  month 
that  our  father  reached  home,  and  even  then  he 
was  still  in  a  very  weak  and  suffering  state,  and 
requiring  constant  care,  but  it  was  an  unspeakable 
comfort  to  our  mother  to  have  him  again  by  her 
side,  and  being  now  both  of  them  much  confined 
to  the  house,  they  spent  the  remainder  of  the 


AET.  61-62.  249 

winter  very  quietly  at  home,  greatly  enjoying 
each  other's  society,  a  privilege  which  for  many 
years  they  had  only  shared  at  rare  intervals, 
owing  to  our  mother's  frequent  absences  on  ac- 
count of  her  health  and  our  father's  long  journeys 
on  gospel  service. 

In  the  third  month  they  went  together  to 
Saint  Leonards,  and  after  about  six  weeks  re- 
turned home  much  benefited. 

In  the  summer  of  1885  she  had  the  great 
pleasure  of  visits  from  several  of  her  absent  chil- 
dren, all  of  which  she  was  well  enough  to  enjoy, 
and,  as  shortly  after  the  family  became  much 
more  scattered,  this  was  the  last  time  when  our 
father  and  mother  had  all  their  children  together 
around  them.  The  next  few  months  brought  many 
changes  in  the  family  circle,  some  of  which  had 
long  been  under  consideration,  while  others  came 
more  unexpectedly  upon  her.  The  first  to  be 
noted  was  the  marriage  of  her  daughter  Mary 
Caroline  to  Dr.  Willis  Norton  Whitney,  of  Tokio, 
Japan,  on  the  2Qth  of  I2th  month,  1885,  and  their 
departure  early  in  1886  for  their  distant  home. 
The  wide  separation,  and  the  very  great  uncer- 
tainty of  ever  seeing  this  beloved  daughter  again 
on  earth,  called  forth  our  mother's  tenderest  feel- 
ings, whilst  she  felt  happy  in  the  belief  that  the 
union  was  of  the  Lord. 

Our  parents  also  gave  their  consent  about  this 
time  to  a  long  cherished  wish  of  their  son 


250  1886, 

George  that  he  might  devote  his  life  to  the  Lord's- 
service  in  foreign  mission  work.  In  connection 
with  these  decisions  she  writes  : — 

"  Some  considerations  of  great  importance  have  been 
before  us  during  the  last  few  weeks.  May  heavenly 
wisdom  and  guidance  be  graciously  granted,  for  how 
little  we  know  of  ourselves  what  is  best  either  for  u& 
or  for  our  dear  children.  I  do  most  earnestly  desire 
to  be  enabled  to  give  up  all,  even  the  nearest  and  the- 
dearest  to  the  Lord's  disposal;  but  I  often  have  to  feel 
that  although  the  spirit  is  willing,  the  flesh  is  weak." 

About  this  time,  her  son-in-law,  George  Henry 
Emmott,  accepted  a  Professorship  in  the  Johns 
Hopkins  University,  Baltimore.  In  looking  forward 
to  the  separation  which  this  decision  involved  our 
mother  says  : — "  I  feel  more  than  I  can  express,, 
in  the  thought  of  parting,  but  I  trust  we  shall 
be  helped  according  to  our  need.  Often  of  late 
it  has  felt  to  me  that  I  must  lie  still  in  the 
Everlasting  Arms,  whilst  the  waves  and  the  billows 
pass  over,  and  let  the  Lord  accomplish  His 
gracious  purposes  concerning  us.  I  do  not  desire 
anything  but  that  His  will  may  be  done." 

On  the  2nd  of  the  ist  month,  1886,  she  parted 
from  her  daughter  and  her  son-in-law,  for  their 
distant  home  in  Japan,  and  on  the  3ist  she  writes  : 

"My  thoughts  have  been  almost  constantly  with 
them,  and  it  has  been  sweet  to  commit  them  again 
and  again  to  the  Lord's  care  and  keeping.  Our  dear 
George  has  been  with  us  the  last  week ;  very 
unexpectedly  the  way  seems  opening  for  him  to  go  to- 
Japan  as  an  Agent  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 


AET.63.  251 

Society,  and  thus  to  give  his  life  definitely,  as  he  has 
so  long  wished  to  do,  to  the  Lord's  service  in  a  foreign 
land.  I  believe  we  shall  be  helped  to  give  up  this 
dear  son  also,  if  it  is  the  Lord's  will  to  call  for  his 
service  there,  and  to  rejoice  in  the  opportunity  that  will 
be  thus  given  him  of  spreading  the  glad  tidings  of  a 
Saviour's  love. 

2nd  mo.  21,  1886. — "  Many  letters  and  post  cards 
from  dear  Willis  and  Carrie  were  received  on  Sixth  and 
Seventh  days.  Very  tenderly  has  the  Lord  cared  for 
them  in  their  long  journey,  and  kept  them  from  all 
harm,  answering  our  prayers  for  them  in  a  wonderful 
way.  Their  train  passed  over  the  line  three  hours 
after  it  had  been  cleared,  five  trains  having  been 
blocked  up  near  Dodge  City  from  falls  of  snow,  and 
1,000  people  detained  there  for  a  week,  and  the  train 
following  theirs  was  again  blocked.  Then,  when  nearing 
San  Francisco,  with  no  hope  of  reaching  in  time  for 
their  steamer,  which  would  have  involved  a  delay  of 
two  weeks,  they  received  a  telegram  that  it  would 
wait  for  them,  which  it  did  eight  hours,  and  they  were 
driven  direct  from  the  railway  station  to  the  wharf, 
embarking  about  midnight." 

3rd  mo.  2ist,  1886. — "A  busy  week.  My  birthday, 
the  1 5th,  was  a  time  of  renewal  of  covenant,  and  of 
thanksgiving  and  praise.  Last  week  our  dear  George 
was  appointed  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 
as  their  Agent  in  Japan.  He  will  have  to  leave 
England  about  the  middle  of  next  month.  How  many 
changes  the  last  year  has  brought  with  it  in  our 
family  circle,  changes,  I  might  almost  say,  not  thought 
of  a  year  ago.  Through  all,  a  quiet  peace  has  been 
granted  in  the  sense  that  these  steps  have  been 
ordered  of  the  Lord." 


252  1886. 

About  this  time  her  eldest  daughter,  Martha,  be- 
came engaged  to  George  Samuel  Baker,  of  Willesden, 
and  the  marriage  took  place  within  a  few  days  of 
her  son  George's  departure  for  Japan  ;  thus  leaving 
the  home  at  Camden  Road  very  much  stripped,  only 
three  of  the  once  large  circle  of  nine  brothers  and 
sisters  being  now  left  there.  As  her  sons  and 
daughters  left  her,  our  dear  mother's  sympathies 
seemed  continually  to  widen,  as  her  thoughts  and 
her  prayers  followed  each  to  their  new  home,  and 
she  sought  to  share  in  all  the  interests  of  their  lives. 
The  correspondence  with  all  these  absent  ones 
now  occupied  a  large  portion  of  her  time  and 
strength,  and  very  precious  were  the  letters 
which  she  wrote,  so  full  of  loving  sympathy  and 
help,  and  full  too  of  all  the  little  items  of  home 
news  so  interesting  to  those  at  a  distance.  She 
had  a  regular  day  every  week  for  writing  to  each 
of  her  absent  children,  and  always  made  this  a 
first  engagement,  so  that,  except  in  case  of  her 
illness,  when  she  would  delegate  the  duty  to  one 
of  her  daughters,  a  nice  long  letter,  and  one  full 
of  news,  never  failed  to  be  written,  and  each 
absent  child  might  look  confidently  forward  to 
this  weekly  treat.  And  not  only  to  her  children, 
but  to  many  others  who  shared  her  sympathy 
and  interest  would  her  pen  often  convey  loving 
messages,  so  that  it  seemed  to  those  who  were 
much  with  her,  as  though  in  her  seclusion  from 
the  more  active  labours  of  her  earlier  years,  this 
ministry  of  comforting  and  helping  others  by  her 


AET.  63.  253 

letters,  had  been  rather  especially  entrusted  to 
her.  We  believe  this  was  in  answer  to  the 
earnest  desire  of  her  heart  so  often  expressed  in 
her  journal  that  she  might  be  continually  on  the 
watch  to  use  every  opportunity  of  service  for 
her  Lord  and  Saviour.  The  following  is  one 
amongst  many  extracts  which  show  how  such  was 
her  constant  prayer  : — 

"  Let  me  not  in  the  midst  of  all  my  blessings  grow 
lukewarm  and  indifferent  ;  but  do  Thou  pour  out 
afresh  upon  me  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit.  Warm  my  heart 
with  Thy  love,  that  it  may  reach  forth  to  those  around 
me,  shedding  forth  a  heavenly  influence  upon  all  with 
whom  I  am  brought  into  contact,  and  enable  me  con- 
tinually to  watch  and  to  pray  for  the  prosperity  of 
Zion,  and  for  the  extension  of  Thy  Kingdom  upon  the 
earth." 


254 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

1886— J.  B.  Braithwaite's  fifth  visit  to  the  United  States 
in  the  autumn  of  '87 — Stay  at  Bispham,  serious  illness 
there — Her  daughter  Elizabeth  and  family  leave  for 
Baltimore — Adelaide  N.  Whitney — Visits  from  absent 
children  —  Death  of  Isaac  Braithwaite  —  Famine  in 
Japan. 

OUR  mother's  health  continued  pretty  good 
during  the  rest  of  the  year  1886,  and  she 
was  able  to  enjoy  paying  visits  to  her 
married  children  in  their  own  homes,  and  having 
them  come  to  visit  her.  She  also  spent  some 
time  at  Banbury,  and  in  the  summer  was  for 
about  five  weeks  at  Arnside.  To  her  great 
comfort  it  was  again  thought  that  she  might 
safely  spend  the  winter  at  home,  where  she 
entered  with  her  accustomed  warmth  and  sym- 
pathy into  all  the  interests  that  surrounded  her, 
and,  although  mostly  confined  to  the  house,  felt 
it  a  great  privilege  to  be  with  her  husband  and 
children.  In  the  spring  she  had  a  severe  attack 
of  bronchitis,  and  was  nearly  five  weeks  in  her 
room,  but  later  on  she  visited  her  daughters 
Martha  and  Elizabeth  in  their  homes. 


AET.  63-64.  255 

Our  father  was  appointed  during  the  Yearly 
Meeting  as  one  of  a  deputation  to  attend  a 
•Conference  of  Yearly  Meetings  to  be  held  at 
Richmond,  Indiana,  to  consider  the  state  of  the 
Society  generally.  Our  mother  says  in  reference 
to  it  :— 

"  I  feel  strongly  that  my  dear  husband's  physical 
strength  is  not  equal  to  the  strain  of  such  a  journey; 
l)ut,  as  he  feels  it  his  duty  to  go,  I  desire  to  resign 
him  to  the  will  of  the  Lord,  and  to  give  him  up  for 
the  service.  It  is  a  great  comfort  to  me  that  my 
dear  brother*  is  also  going,  as  he  will,  I  know,  kindly 
care  for  him  in  many  ways." 

She  had  another  parting  to  pass  through  this 
autumn,  as  the  time  had  come  for  her  daughter 
Elizabeth  and  her  children  to  go  to  their  new 
home  in  Baltimore,  where  her  son-in-law,  G.  H. 
Emmott,  had  already  spent  one  winter  as  Pro- 
fessor in  the  Johns  Hopkins  University. 

On  9th  mo.  3rd,  1887,  she  writes  : — 
"Yesterday  I  parted  with  my  dearly  beloved  husband 
for  another  journey  to  America  in  the  service  of  Christ. 
We  had  a  few  sweet  minutes  of  prayer  together  with 
our  dear  children  just  before  we  separated,  and  felt 
that  we  could  commit  each  other  to  the  Lord's  care 
and  keeping.  We  are  all  intending  to  go  to  lodgings 
at  Bispham  on  Second-day,  to  be  near  dear  Elizabeth 
and  her  children." 

loth  mo.  4th,  at  Banbury. — "  We  were  favoured  to 
reach  Bispham  safely  on  the  5th  of  last  month.  The 

*   Her  brother,  George  Giilett,  who  was  one  of  the   deputation. 


256  1887. 

day  after  our  arrival,  I  had  scarcely  reached  my  bed- 
room in  the  evening1,  before  a  rather  severe  attack  of 
haemorrhage  from  the  lungs  suddenly  came  on.  No 
doctor  was  near  at  hand,  and  I  knew  it  was  almost 
useless  to  try  to  get  one,  for  the  night  was  dark  and 
the  distance  considerable.  I  was  favoured,  however,  to 
feel  very  calm  and  quiet,  with  a  sweet  assurance  that, 
through  unmerited  mercy,  should  the  Lord  then  be 
pleased  to  take  me  to  Himself,  all  would  be  well. 
This  feeling  was  not  at  my  command,  and,  I  believe, 
was  graciously  given  in  this  hour  of  need  for  my  com- 
fort and  support.  I  was  not  off  my  bed  for  a  week, 
and  only  out  of  my  room  a  few  times  before  coming" 
here,  which  we  did  a  week  ago  last  Seventh-day  My 
chamber  seemed  made  as  a  little  Bethel  to  me,  and 
there  I  enjoyed  the  society  at  intervals  of  our  dear 
children  and  daily  visits  from  dear  Elizabeth.  She  left 
with  her  three  sweet  children  and  her  dear  husband 
for  America  on  the  2ist.  I  was  graciously  helped 
through  the  parting  with  these  tenderly  beloved  ones, 
and  now  have  had  the  comforting  information  that  they 
reached  New  York  after  a  '  splendid  voyage.'  I  have 
also  good  accounts  of  my  beloved  husband,  and  much 
cause  for  thankfulness." 

She  continued  deeply  to  feel  the  separation 
from  her  children  in  Japan,  but  after  speaking  of 
the  blank  which  their  absence  caused,  she  says, 
"  I  believe  I  can  in  all  sincerity  say,  'Thy  will, 
O  Lord,  be  done,'  and  I  do  joy  in  their  joy  in 
the  unspeakably  blessed  service  of  seeking  to  win 
souls  for  Christ  in  that  land  of  heathen  darkness." 

Her  husband  returned  home  safely  in  the 
I2th  month  from  his  American  journey.  On  the 
last  day  of  this  year  our  mother  writes  : — 


AET.  64-66.  257 

i2th  mo.  Jist,  1887. — "The  year  closes  under 
renewed  feelings  of  thankfulness  and  praise.  What,  O 
Lord,  can  I  render  unto  Thee,  for  all  Thy  benefits. 
Thou  hast  been  with  me  in  heights  and  in  depths. 
Thou  hast  crowned  me  with  Thy  loving  kindness  and 
tender  mercy.  I  am  unworthy,  utterly  unworthy.  I 
feel  that  I  have  no  other  plea  but  that  of  '  Be  Thou 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner.'  ' 

During  this  year  Adelaide  N.  Whitney,  youngest 
sister  of  her  son-in-law,  Dr.  Whitney,  had  been 
an  inmate  of  the  family,  it  having  seemed 
desirable  that  she  should  come  to  England  to 
complete  her  education.  Throughout  her  stay  our 
mother  lovingly  cared  for  and  entered  into  all 
her  interests  as  if  she  had  been  a  daughter. 
Indeed  to  the  end  of  life  she  continued  this  warm 
interest.  A.  N.  Whitney  returned  to  Japan  with 
a  heart  full  of  love  to  her  Saviour  and  anxious 
to  do  her  part  in  telling  others  of  the  full  and 
free  salvation  to  be  found  in  Him. 

In  the  summer  of  1889,  Dr.  R.  H.  and  Anna 
B.  Thomas  paid  another  visit  home  with  their 
little  girl,  which  our  mother  writes  of  in  prospect 
as  a  very  great  pleasure.  They  arrived  in  time  to 
attend  the  London  Yearly  Meeting,  and  towards 
the  end  of  the  seventh  month  another  joy  was 
given  in  the  safe  arrival  from  Japan  of  Dr.  Willis 
and  Mary  C.  Whitney  with  their  three  baby  boys. 
It  had  been  a  great  undertaking  to  bring  them 
all  such  a  long  journey,  and  none  of  them  were 
very  strong,  but  the  sea  air  had  already  done 

18 


250  1889. 

them  good,  and  the  loving  welcome,  with  the  care 
and  comforts jof  home,  soon  made  them  forget  the 
discomforts  of  the  way.  It  was  a  great  enjoyment 
to  our  dear  mother  thus  to  have  once  more  so 
many  of  her  children  round  her,  and  the  grand- 
children, too,  were  an  added  pleasure,  as  she 
always  dearly  loved  little  children,  and  they  never 
seemed  to  tire  her.  They  arranged  to  spend  some 
weeks  at  Seaton,  in  Devonshire,  from  which  place 
our  mother  writes  : — 

First-day,  8th  mo.  i8th,  1889. — "We  all  came  here 
together  last  Fourth-day  week,  a  party  of  twelve, 
besides  the  four  children,  and  we  had  planned  for  dear 
Joseph  and  Annie  to  come  over  from  Burnham  and  be 
with  us  part  of  this  week.  On  Second-day,  the  i2th, 
we  were  all  looking  forward,  especially  dear  Willis  and 
Carrie,  to  the  joyful  meeting,  when  we  received  a 
telegram  to  inform  us  that  dear  Joseph  had  met  with 
a  serious  tricycle  accident  on  his  way  hither,  and 
asking  Richard  to  go  to  him  immediately.  So  he  and 
Anna  went  by  the  next  train  and  are  still  with  them. 
The  accident  happened  near  the  village  of  Thurloxton, 
a  few  miles  from  Taunton.  The  two  doctors  who  were 
sent  for  at  first  thought  dear  J.  would  not  rally.  He 
has  continued  very  ill  ever  since ;  but  through  the 
lovingkindness  of  the  Lord  the  accounts  yesterday  and 
to-day  are  better,  and  there  is  every  reason  to  believe 
that  he  will  fully  recover,  though  the  doctors  expect  his 
convalescence  to  be  slow.  Sustaining  grace  has  been 
mercifully  granted  during  this  time  of  anxiety,  and 
some  ability  to  say,  'Thy  will,  O  Lord,  and  not  ours 
be  done.' 


AET.  66.  259 

"The  scenery  around  us  is  very  beautiful,  and  our 
stay  here  is  affording1  us  the  opportunity  for  much 
quiet  enjoyment  of  each  other's  company.  We  have 
held  a  Friends'  Meeting  each  First-day  in  the  Mission 
Room  belonging  to  the  Congregational  Chapel,  kindly 
lent  for  the  purpose.  Seven  beside  ourselves  attended 
last  First-day,  and  nineteen  to-day.  Both  these  meet- 
ings were  felt  to  be  times  of  blessing.  Richard  and 
Willis  held  a  Children's  Meeting  on  the  beach  last 
First-day  afternoon,  and  Willis  has  held  one  to-day, 
both  of  them  largely  attended.  Notice  is  given  for 
another  next  Fourth-day  afternoon,  if  the  weather  is 
suitable.  Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  crown  all  with  Thy 
blessing." 

8th  mo.  24th,  1889. — "We  have  just  received  a 
telegram  to  inform  us  that  dear  Joseph  has  been 
safely  moved  to  his  house  in  Burnham.  He  was 
placed  on  a  bed  in  a  waggonette  and  driven  very 
rapidly,  according  to  the  physician's  orders.  He  is 
improving  slowly." 

8th  mo.  27th. — "  We  are  intending  to  return  home 
to-morrow,  nothing  unforeseen  preventing.  This  is  the 
38th  anniversary  of  our  wedding  day.  They  have  been 
years  crowned  with  the  goodness  and  the  lovingkind- 
ness  of  the  Lord,  and  still  His  mercies  abound  towards 
us.  May  there  be  increased  dedication  to  His  service, 
more  love  to  Him  who  hath  loved  us  and  given  Him- 
self for  us.  It  is  delightful  having  our  dear  children 
and  grandchildren  around  us,  and  we  are  looking  to 
spending  to-day  at  Sidmouth  together,  a  place  hallowed 
in  our  remembrance,  as  it  was  there  we  were  first 
permitted  to  enjoy  one  another's  companionship  and 
love." 


260  I88g. 

They  spent  about  three  weeks  together  after 
their  return  to  London,  and  then  the  happy 
family  party  broke  up,  Dr.  R.  H.  and  Anna  B. 
Thomas  with  their  little  girl  having  to  return  to 
Baltimore,  and  a  few  weeks  later  Dr.  and  Mary 
C.  Whitney,  with  their  children  and  Adelaide  N. 
Whitney,  started  homewards.  Our  mother  writes 
on  parting  with  them  : — 

loth  mo.  2$h,  1889. — "We  have  had  a  very  sweet 
visit  from  them,  one  that  we  shall  look  back  upon 
with  comfort  through  the  remainder  of  our  lives.  May 
the  Lord  continue  to  strengthen  them  for  all  the  ser- 
vice in  which  they  are  engaged  in  the  far-off  island 
of  Japan,  and  may  there  be  much  fruit  to  His  praise 
and  glory." 

The  twin  babies  were  both  taken  to  the 
heavenly  home  before  the  long  journey  was 
accomplished,  and  our  mother  writes  again  : — 

"  Our  hearts  go  out  to  our  dear  children  in 
tenderest  sympathy  in  this  great  trial,  but  the  Lord  in 
whom  they  trust,  has,  I  cannot  doubt,  sustained  and 
comforted  them  through  all,  and  kept  them  in  the 
embrace  of  His  love.  What  He  doeth,  we  know  not 
now,  but  we  shall  know  hereafter — then  all  will  be 
made  plain,  and  we  shall  see  that  He  has  led  us  by 
a  right  way  to  that  glorious  home  prepared  for  us  in 
Heaven.  Little  Isaac  was  just  eleven  months  old,  his 
little  brother  John,  who  was  taken  before  him,  eight 
months  and  one  week,  now  both  are  safe  with  their 
Saviour  for  ever,  and  for  them  our  hearts  rejoice, 
while  for  ourselves  we  mourn." 

"  .  .  .  O  Lord,  be  pleased  to  sanctify  to  them 
(the  parents)  and  to  us  this  trial,  let  it  bring  us 


AET.  66. 


26l 


nearer  unto  Thee  and  prepare  us  still  more  to  comfort 
others  with  the  comfort  wherewith  we  ourselves  have 
been  comforted  of  Thee." 

The  death  of  these  two  sweet  babies,  who 
had  entwined  themselves  so  closely  around  her 
heart,  was  the  first  and  the  only  break  which 
occurred  in  her  lifetime  amongst  her  children 
and  grandchildren,  although  advancing  years  had 
continually  taken  one  and  another  from  the 
circle  of  our  father's  and  mother's  brothers  and 
sisters  and  older  relatives.  Our  father's  brother 
Robert,  his  twin  sister  Caroline  Savory,  more 
recently  his  brother  Foster,  and  this  winter  his 
eldest  brother  Isaac,  had  all  passed  away  from 
earth,  the  latter  on  the  26th  of  ist  month,  1890. 
Referring  to  his  death  our  mother  says  : — 

"My  dear  husband  deeply  feels  the  loss  of  this 
tenderly  beloved  brother,  to  whom  he  has  been  accus- 
tomed all  his  life  to  look  up,  for  counsel  and  advice. 
As  those  we  had  loved  are  taken  from  us  may  we  be 
drawn  nearer  to  Thee  our  God  and  Saviour.  Thou  art 
ever  with  us,  alway,  even  unto  the  end." 

As  soon  as  her  son  Joseph  was  sufficiently 
recovered,  he  was  advised  to  take  a  long  voyage 
before  going  back  to  business.  He  came  to  see 
her  before  leaving,  and  then  sailed  with  his  wife 
on  the  ist  of  the  loth  month  for  the  Cape, 
expecting  to  be  absent  six  or  seven  weeks.  Our 
mother  had  had  a  good  deal  of  bronchial  cold 
all  through  the  summer,  and  it  was  thought 
safer  for  her  not  to  spend  the  winter  in  London, 


262  jsgcx 

so  in  the  nth  month  she  went  with  one  of  her 
daughters  to  Saint  Leonards.  The  climate  suited 
her,  and  it  was  near  enough  to  London  for 
her  husband  and  other  children  to  be  often 
able  to  come  and  spend  a  few  days  with  her. 
Her  thoughts  were  much  with  her  absent 
children,  her  eldest  son  and  his  wife  now  on  the 
water,  and  especially  Dr.  and  M.  C.  Whitney  on 
their  long  journey  to  Japan  and  in  the  time  of 
sickness  and  sorrow  through  which  they  were 
passing  ;  and  we  see  from  the  entries  in  her 
journal  how  constantly  her  sympathy  and  prayers 
followed  each  one.  She  returned  home  in  the 
spring  very  much  better  for  the  winter's  sojourn 
in  a  warmer  climate,  and,  for  the  first  time  since 
her  illness  commenced,  was  able  to  stay  in 
London  during  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  to 
attend  some  of  the  sittings.  Her  sympathies 
were  much  aroused  for  the  sufferers  from  the 
famine  in  Japan,  the  distress  being  so  great  that 
many  were  reduced  to  eating  grass.  She  went 
herself  to  see  the  Japanese  Ambassador,  and 
made  an  effort  to  have  a  fund  opened  at  the 
Mansion  House  for  their  relief ;  but,  failing  in  this, 
she  did  what  she  could  privately  to  interest  her 
friends  and  neighbours  for  them,  and  was  instru- 
mental in  collecting  a  considerable  amount,  which 
was  sent  to  Dr.  Whitney,  who  purchased  food 
and  distributed  it  among  the  most  needy,  many 
hundreds  being  thus  relieved. 


AET.  67.  263 


CHAPTER   XXII. 

Visit  to  Scotland  with  her  husband  and  daughter  Rachel 
in  autumn  of  1890 — Visits  to  Kendal  and  More- 
cambe — Isaac  Sharp  starts  on  his  long  journey — 
Serious  illness  in  1892 — Stay  at  Hastings — Death 
of  C.  LI.  Braithwaite — Mission  Hall  at  Philippopolis 
— Visit  of  G.  H.  and  E.  B.  Emmott  in  summer 
of  1893,  and  of  her  son  George — Death  of  George 
Gillett— Death  of  Alfred  Gillett. 

IN   the   summer   of   1890   she   was    engaged    upon 
the   last   public  service   amongst   Friends  which 
she    undertook.      It    is    thus    recorded    in    her 
journal   on   yth   mo.   26th,    1890  : — 

"At  our  last  Monthly  Meeting  my  dear  husband 
was  cordially  liberated  to  attend  the  General  Meeting 
to  be  held  at  Aberdeen  next  month,  and  to  visit  the 
other  meetings  of  Friends  in  Scotland.  I  hope  to  be 
able  to  join  him  in  some  part  of  the  service,  if  my 
health  continues  better,  but  I  felt  under  my  present 
circumstances  it  was  better  for  me  to  go  without  a 
minute,  though  it  was  mentioned  at  the  Monthly  Meeting, 
as  I  wished  my  friends  at  home  to  bear  me  on  their 
hearts  in  prayer.  Dear  Rachel  will,  I  expect,  go 
with  us." 


264 


1890. 


After  being  so  long  an  invalid,  it  seemed 
wonderful  that ,  our  mother  could  think  of 
undertaking  a  journey  which  involved  so  much 
fatigue,  and  many  fears  were  felt  on  her  account, 
but  strength  was  given  beyond  all  our  expecta- 
tions, so  that  in  concluding  this  service  she  writes: — 

"  In  looking  back  over  this  journey  my  heart  is 
filled  with  praise  for  the  help  that  has  been  given, 
and  for  the  large  measure  of  health  which  I  have 
been  permitted  to  enjoy,  so  that  I  am  fully  as  well, 
if  not  better,  than  when  I  came,  and  my  dear 
husband  also  is,  I  think,  stronger.  '  Bless  the  Lord, 
O  my  soul.'  ' 

This   was   her  first   and   last   visit    to     Scotland. 
Our   mother   herself   writes    from   Edinburgh  : — 

"9th  mo.  ist,  1890. — "We  are  leaving  Edinburgh 
this  morning  for  Hawick,  Carlisle,  and  Kendal,  with 
peaceful  minds,  very  thankful  that  we  have  been  en- 
abled to  accomplish  our  little  service  in  Scotland, 
though  often  under  a  sense  of  abounding  weakness. 
The  meetings  in  Scotland  are  small  with  the  exception 
of  Glasgow  Meeting,  but  there  is  in  each  meeting 
an  earnest  desire  that  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus 
may  be  upheld  and  maintained,  and  I  cannot  but 
believe  that  the  Lord  will  not  forsake  them,  but  will 
arise  for  their  help,  and  as  they  are  faithful,  increase 
the  number  of  those  who  shall  be  witnesses  for  Him 
in  this  land.  We  visited  an  interesting  company 
of  people  at  Ardrossan,  drawing  towards  "Friends," 
but  not  yet  members.  Scotland  will  now  .hold  a  place 
of  much  interest  in  my  thoughts  through  the  remainder 
of  life's  journey.  There  are  those  there  with  whom 


AET.  67.  265 

it  is   a  privilege  to  feel    sweet    fellowship    in    the    love 
of  the   Gospel." 

After  leaving  Scotland  they  went  to  Kendal, 
where  our  mother  writes  : — 

9th  mo.  7th,  First-day. — "A  sweet  and  memorable 
meeting  here  this  morning  to  my  comfort.  Our  dear 
brother  and  sister  (Charles  Lloyd  and  Susanna  Braithwaite) 
are  nicely  for  them,  but  feeble.  It  is  very  sweet  to  be 
with  them  once  more  in  this  favoured  home,  with  its 
lovely  garden  and  extensive  beautiful  view.  Yesterday 
we  had  a  great  treat  in  going  to  Ulleswater  for  the 
day.  It  was  a  beautiful  day,  after  much  wet  weather. 
The  grand  mountains  rose  around  us  in  all  their 
splendour  and  seemed  to  speak  forth  their  Creator's 
praise.  Well  might  the  Psalmist  exclaim,  'All  Thy 
works  shall  praise  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  Thy  saints  shall 
bless  Thee.'  " 

They  afterwards  spent  a  week  at  Morecambe, 
and  on  returning  home  enjoyed  a  visit  from  Isaac 
Sharp,  who  in  his  eighty-fifth  year  was  about  enter- 
ing on  the  long  journey  to  France,  Constantinople, 
Syria,  India,  Japan,  and  the  northern  continent  of 
America,  for  which  he  had  been  liberated  at  the 
last  Yearly  Meeting.  Our  mother  says :  "  Our 
beloved  friend  will,  I  believe,  be  borne  on  our 
hearts  in  loving  remembrance.  May  the  Lord 
sustain,  preserve  and  strengthen  him,  and  if  we 
never  meet  again  on  earth  may  we  meet  in  heaven 
to  unite  in  the  pure  and  perfect  service  of  the 
redeemed.  We  shall  miss  his  frequent  visits  and 
the  influence  of  his  holy,  cheerful  life.  I  count 


266 


1890-92. 


it  amongst  our  privileges  to  have  known  and 
loved  him." 

She  did  not  stay  long  in  London,  but  went 
to  Banbury  to  escape  the  November  fogs,  and  stayed 
there  through  the  winter.  It  was  a  great  pleasure 
to  her  to  stay  so  long  in  her  old  home,  hallowed 
by  so  many  associations  with  dear  ones  who  had 
gone  before.  One  or  more  of  her  children  were 
with  her  all  the  time,  and  her  husband  also  came 
down  quite  frequently,  so  that  the  winter  passed 
pleasantly  amid  much  family  enjoyment,  and  in 
the  second  month  of  1891  she  returned  home. 

She  had  quite  looked  forward  to  again  attending 
some  part  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  they  had 
many  visitors,  when  our  father  failed  with  a 
severe  attack  of  the  then  very  prevalent  influenza, 
and  a  few  days  afterwards  she  was  also  laid  aside 
with  the  same  complaint.  With  our  mother  it 
soon  turned  to  bronchitis,  and  they  were  both 
very  ill,  and  upstairs  for  many  weeks.  As  soon  as 
they  were  well  enough  to  bear  the  journey,  they 
went  to  Burnham,  in  Somersetshire,  for  about 
five  weeks,  returning  home  with  greatly  improved 
health.  She  spent  the  following  winter  in 
London,  but  in  the  spring  of  1892  she  was  again 
prostrated  by  a  severe  attack  of  illness,  on  recover- 
ing from  which  she  writes  : — 

5th  mo.  i5th,  1892. — "To-morrow  it  is  eight  weeks 
since  the  commencement  of  the  serious  illness 
(congestion  of  the  lungs)  from  which  I  am  now  slowly 
but  steadily  recovering.  It  has  been  a  time  of  much 


AET.  67-69.  267 

sweet  enjoyment  in  communion  with  my  God  and 
Saviour.  He  has  supplied  all  my  need  and  through 
His  great  mercy  kept  my  soul  in  peace  and  in  sub- 
mission to  His  will." 

First-day,  5th  mo.  2gth. — "  I  came  to  Burnham  on 
the  i;th  to  our  dear  Joseph's  comfortable  sea-side 
home,  and  have  been  steadily  gaining  strength  since. 
I  had  felt  in  my  late  illness  several  times  so  near  to 
my  heavenly  home  that  it  seems  strange  to  take  up 
again  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  the  earthly 
stewardship.  The  longing  of  my  soul  is  that  I  may  be 
faithful  to  the  end,  and  that  all  the  Lord's  purposes 
concerning  me  may  be  accomplished." 

8th  mo.  28th,  1892.— "  Yesterday  was  the  forty-first 
anniversary  of  our  wedding  day — renewing  many  sweet 
recollections  of  the  past.  Truly  not  one  thing  has 
failed  of  all  that  the  Lord  promised  us.  Ours  has 
been  an  inexpressibly  happy  union,  and  to  have  been 
spared  to  each  other  so  long  is  not  the  least  cause 
for  praise.  Now  the  shades  of  evening  are  gathering, 
both  around  me  and  my  dear  husband,  and  we  are 
looking  forward  to  the  home  prepared  for  us  through 
infinite  mercy  in  the  better  land — that  land  which 
needeth  not  the  light  of  the  sun  nor  of  the  moon  to 
shine  in  it,  for  the  Lord  God  Almighty  and  the  Lamb 
are  the  light  thereof.  As  I  write,  fresh  desires  arise 
in  my  heart  that  we  may  be  kept  faithful  in  old  age, 
and  that  the  evening  of  our  day  may  shed  a  heavenly 
radiance  on  all  around  us,  showing  forth  more  than 
words  can  do,  the  love,  the  mercy,  and  the  faithfulness 
of  our  covenant-keeping  God  and  Saviour,  who  has 
been  all  along  our  strength,  and  our  stay,  our  All  in 

AII." 


268  I893. 

During  the  whole  of  this  year  our  mother 
never  fully  recovered  from  the  illness  which  she 
had  in  the  spring,  and  it  was  thought  prudent 
that  she  should  leave  London  early  in  the 
winter  for  the  Southern  coast,  where  she  spent 
nearly  four  months  at  Hastings.  Early  in  1893, 
she  had  another  attack  of  haemorrhage,  and  was 
very  poorly  for  some  weeks.  It  was  during  this 
time  that  her  husband's  only  surviving  brother, 
Charles  LI.  Braithwaite,  of  Kendal,  entered  into  his 
heavenly  rest. 

Our  mother  returned  home  in  the  third  month, 
but  continued  very  poorly  all  the  spring,  yet, 
although  so  much  of  an  invalid,  she  was  still 
busy  working  for  the  cause  she  loved. 

On  5th  mo.  I7th,  when  still  very  much  con- 
fined to  her  room,  she  writes  : — 

"With  a  heart  full  of  thanksgiving  and  praise,  I 
have  now  to  record  the  completion  to-day  of  the  col- 
lection for  the  Mission  Hall  and  Schoolroom  at 
Philippopolis,  South  Bulgaria.  ^100  came  from  a  dear 
aged  friend,  John  Horniman,  last  evening,  and  £$ 
from  another  friend  this  morning.  I  feel  that  it  has 
been  a  gracious  answer  to  my  prayers.  May  the  Hall 
be  ever  used  for  the  Lord's  glory,  and  to  Him  be  all 
the  praise.  It  lifts  a  great  weight  off  my  heart  to 
have  all  paid  for.  The  building  has  cost  altogether 
j£i,ioo,  ^200  of  which  has  been  given  in  material  or 
labour  by  the  people  themselves.  It  was  much  needed. 
There  is  a  great  and  good  work  going  on  there,  con- 
ducted by  our  friend,  Elizabeth  B.  Tonjoroff.  She  gives 
up  her  time  and  strength  gratuitously  to  the  Lord's 
service." 


AET.  70.  269 

Our  mother  had  first  become  acquainted  with 
Elizabeth  B.  Tonjoroif  in  1878,  and  ever  since 
had  taken  a  deep  interest  in  the  work  carried 
on  by  her  and  her  husband  in  Bulgaria.  They 
usually  stayed  at  her  house  whenever  they  were 
in  London.  The  work  as  at  present  carried  on 
(1896)  consists  of  a  Medical  Mission,  Gospel 
Meetings,  and  work  amongst  prisoners  and 
amongst  women.  It  is  now  under  the  care  of  a 
committee  of  English  Friends. 

Her  daughter  Elizabeth,  with  her  husband  and 
five  children,  spent  the  summer  of  1893  in  Eng- 
land. Her  son-in-law,  G.  H.  Emmott,  had  been 
over  every  year  and  paid  them  a  short  visit,  but 
she  had  not  seen  her  daughter  or  the  children 
for  six  years,  and  the  two  youngest  had  been 
born  since  they  went  to  Baltimore.  She  was 
better  than  usual  through  the  summer  and  able 
to  enjoy  having  them  all  round  her.  Her  son 
George  also  was  to  have  a  six  months'  holiday 
this  summer  to  come  to  England,  but  he  was 
detained  some  time  by  poor  health,  first  before 
starting  and  then  again  on  his  way  across  the 
American  continent,  so  that  he  did  not  arrive 
till  the  8th  month.  After  her  daughter  Elizabeth 
and  her  children  had  left  London  to  visit  their  re- 
latives in  the  north,  she  went  to  spend  several 
weeks  at  Pensarn  in  North  Wales,  her  son 
George  being  also  with  them,  to  her  great  com- 
fort. His  health  steadily  improved,  and  her 
daughter  came  over  and  spent  one  day  with 


27°  1893. 

them  just  before  sailing,  which  was  a  time  of 
great  mutual  enjoyment  and  blessing.  Her  son 
George  stayed  with  them  till  the  following  spring. 
These  visits  from  her  absent  children  were  very 
much  prized,  feeling  as  she  did  the  great 
uncertainty  of  life  and  the  probability  that  each 
re-union  might  prove  to  be  the  last  on  earth. 

A  very  great  and  unexpected  sorrow  was  now 
in  store  for  her  in  the  death  of  her  dearly 
loved  brother,  George  Gillett.  He  had  been  in 
poor  health  for  some  time,  the  result,  as  it  was 
thought,  of  overwork  ;  and  some  months  of  entire 
rest  had  been  prescribed  for  him.  He  had 
therefore  gone  with  his  wife  to  Banbury,  in  the 
hope  that  the  perfect  quiet  and  freedom  from 
care  which  he  could  enjoy  there  might  be  the 
means  of  restoring  him  to  health.  But  it  was 
ordered  otherwise,  and  on  nth  month  24th,  1893, 
he  was  called  home.  Our  mother  writes  : — 

"This  morning  about  9.30,  my  very  dear  brother, 
George  Gillett,  passed  peacefully  away  to  his  heavenly 
rest,  aged  56  years.  He  died  at  the  dear  home  at 
Banbury,  after  a  week  of  increased  illness.  It  is  an 
irreparable  loss,  humanly  speaking,  and  one  which  we 
cannot  yet  fully  realise.  Living,  as  he  did,  next  door 
to  us  for  so  many  years,  we  have  been  very  closely 
united.  But  we  know  that  our  exceeding  loss  is  his 
exceeding,  everlasting"  gain,  through  redeeming  love 'and 
mercy,  and  dearly  as  we  loved  him,  we  could  not 
wish  to  recall  him  here ;  a  sense  of  his  perfect 
happiness  in  the  presence  of  his  God  and  Saviour 
calms  my  soul  and  helps  me  to  bow  in  humble  sub- 
mission to  the  divine  will." 


AET.7L  271 

Referring  to  his  removal  a  little  later,  she 
says  : — 

"  I  have  seemed  to  live  very  near  to  the  eternal 
world  in  the  loss  we  have  sustained  in  the  death  of 
my  dear  brother,  and  in  the  removal  of  others  whom 
we  have  known  and  loved.  Work  in  me,  O  Lord,  an 
increasing  meetness  to  join  Thy  redeemed  in  heaven. 
Thou  knowest  how  sinful,  how  utterly  unworthy  I  am, 
but  Thou  hast  all  power  to  finish  the  work  which 
Thou  hast  begun,  and  through  the  atoning  sacrifice  of 
my  precious  Saviour,  I  believe  that  I  shall  be  accepted 
and  shall  be  permitted  to  serve  and  to  praise  Thee 
for  evermore." 

Before  a  year  had  gone  another  dear  brother 
.was  called  from  earth  to  heaven,  the  summons 
being  even  more  sudden  in  his  case,  as  he  was 
taken  after  only  a  very  few  days'  illness.  Our 
mother  says  : — 

8th  mo.  3oth,  1894. — "  Yesterday  we  heard  of  the 
illness  of  my  dear  brother  Alfred, — to-day  that  he  has 
been  taken  home.  He  passed  away  very  peacefully, 
his  last  words  being,  '  God  bless  you  all '  —  '  Good- 
bye.' " 

Our   mother   adds  : — 

"It  is  an  almost  overwhelming  blow  to  have  this 
dearly  beloved  brother  taken  from  us  so  suddenly,  but 
I  am  permitted  to  feel  a  sweet,  calm  assurance  that, 
through  the  love  of  God  our  Saviour,  all  is  for  ever 
well." 

She  often  loved  to  dwell  on  the  memory  of 
these  and  other  dear  ones  who  had  gone  before, 
and  the  time  was  drawing  very  near  when  she, 


272  18*. 

too,  was  to  join  them.  "  O  how  glorious  will  be 
the  meeting/'  she  says  in  .  one  place,  "with 
loved  ones  gone  before,  parents,  brothers,  sisters, 
friends — all  the  Lord's  children  who  have  loved 
and  served  Him  upon  earth,  out  of  every  nation 
and  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people.  They  all 
sing  the  sweet  song,  '  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that 
was  slain  to  receive  power  and  riches  and  wis- 
dom .  and  strength  and  honour  and  glory  and 
blessing.  Blessing  and  honour  and  glory  and 
power  be  unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne 
and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.'  May  it 
be  ours  through  redeeming  love  and  mercy  again 
to  meet  and  commune  together  in  the  Home 
above,  uniting  in  the  pure  and  perfect  services 
of  joy  and  praise." 

But  we   have   a  little  anticipated,   and  must  go 
back  to   the   spring   of    1894. 


AHT.  71.  273 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

Stay  at  Clevedon — R.  H.  and  Anna  B.  Thomas  pay  a 
religious  visit  to  England — Yearly  Meeting  of  1894 
— Visits  to  Willesden  and  Shanklin — To  Banbury — 
Winter  at  home — Birth  of  her  eighteenth  grandchild, 
and  prospect  of  visit  from  Dr.  and  M.  C.  Whitney 
— Extracts  from  letters  to  her  grandchildren — Illness 
in  Spring  of  1895 — Her  last  day  on  earth — The  call 
Home — The  funeral — The  Message  of  her  Life. 


OUR  dear  mother  was  now   looking  forward   to 
another    visit    from    Dr.     Richard   and    Anna 
B.    Thomas,    who    were    coming    over    from 
Baltimore  with    a    minute   for   religious   service    in 
Dublin    and    London     Yearly    Meetings,    and   were 
bringing   their   daughter   also,   as   they   expected  to 
be    away    from     home     for    a    considerable    time. 
Before  they  arrived,  however,  she  went  for  a  few 
weeks'   change   to   Clevedon,   where   she  writes: — 

5th  mo.  6th,  1894. — "  Dear  Rachel  and  I  have  much 
enjoyed  our  stay  here,  and  the  lovely  country  is  so 
photographed  on  my  mind  that  it  will  often  be  a 
delight  mentally  to  look  at  it.  Just  now  it  is  in 
perfection :  the  lovely  fresh  green  of  spring,  and  the 
many  flowering  shrubs  and  trees  in  full  blossom,  with 

19 


274  1894. 

the  view  of  the   sea  and   hills    beyond,    make   it   almost 
seem   like   a  little   paradise   upon   earth." 

"If  thus   Thy  bounty  gilds   the    span, 
Of  ruined   earth   and   sinful   man, 
How  glorious   must  those   mansions   be, 
Where  Thy  redeemed  shall  dwell  with  Thee." 

She  returned  home  with  renewed  health  and 
was  able  to  enter  more  fully  than  she  had  done 
for  many  years  into  the  interests  of  this,  which 
was  to  be  her  last  Yearly  Meeting.  She  attended 
several  of  the  business  sessions  and  greatly  enjoyed 
having  her  son-in-law  and  daughter  Anna  with 
her,  and  also  the  company  of  several  other  friends 
and  relatives.  A  little  later  in  the  summer  a  few 
weeks  were  spent  at  Shanklin,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
where  our  mother  writes  on  the  27th  of  8th  mo.  : — 

"  We  are  here  in  this  sweet  spot  enjoying  its  many 
beauties.  To-day  we  have  been  a  drive  to  Bonchurch 
and  Ventnor,  some  of  our  party  walking  leisurely 
through  the  Landslip.  It  is  the  forty- third  anniversary 
of  our  wedding  day.  The  years  that  are  past  have 
been  crowned  with  mercies,  more  than  can  be  numbered. 
I  have  been  comforted  in  remembering  that  the  pillar 
of  cloud  and  of  fire  which  guided  the  Israelites 
in"  their  journey  through  the  wilderness,  and  in  which 
the  Lord  was  with  them,  as  their  Guide,  their 
Light,  and  their  Protector,  departed  not  from  them  till 
they  had  safely  reached  the  promised  land :  so  the 
Lord  my  God  will  not,  I  believe,  leave  me  nor  forsake 
me  till  through  His  redeeming  love  in  Christ  Jesus, 
He  has  brought  me  safely  to  that  glorious  home, 
which  He  has  prepared  for  His  children  in  heaven." 


AET.  71.  275 

Later  in  the  summer  she  was  at  Banbury  for 
some  weeks  and  on  returning  home  was  pleased 
to  find  that  her  doctor  was  willing  for  her  to 
remain  at  home  during  the  winter.  Our  father  was 
just  entering  upon  visits  to  the  families  of  Friends 
in  Westminster  and  Longford  Monthly  Meeting, 
and  it  was  a  great  comfort  to  her  to  be  at  home, 
and  to  do  what  she  could  to  encourage  him  in 
his  labours.  "  I  desire,"  she  writes,  "  to  be 
enabled  to  hold  up  his  hands  by  sympathy  and 
prayer."  Her  daughter  Rachel's  work  in  the 
Anti-Opium  cause  was  also  very  near  her  heart, 
and  in  this  as  in  so  many  other  interests  she 
was  an  ever-ready  and  sympathizing  counsellor 
and  friend. 

On  the  3oth  of  the  nth  month  she  heard 
that  her  daughter  in  Japan  had  had  a  little  girl, 
and  about  the  same  time  the  glad  news  came  that 
she  and  her  husband  and  four  children  hoped  to 
come  to  England  for  a  long  visit  the  following 
spring. 

In  connection  with  the  birth  of  this  little 
grandchild  our  mother  writes  : — 

"We  have  now  eighteen  dear  grandchildren  upon 
earth  and  two  in  heaven.  May  their  names  each  one 
be  written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life,  and  may  their 
lives  be  to  Thy  praise  and  glory,  O  Lord." 

Her  grandchildren  had  become  year  by  year 
an  increasing  source  of  pleasure  to  her.  She 
delighted  to  have  them  with  her  whenever  it  was 
possible  to  do  so,  and  never  failed  to  remember  the 


276  1894. 

birthday  of  each  as  the  time  came  round.  The 
following  extracts  from  letters  written  to  some  of 
them,  when  very  little,  show  how  well  she  was 
able  to  enter  into  their  interests  and  to  put 
herself,  as  it  were,  on  their  level,  in  talking  or 
writing  to  them. 

To   her  little   grandson,    G.    B.    Emmott,   on  his  third 
birthday  : — 
"My  darling   Bevan, 

"  This  tiny  letter  will,  I  hope,  get  to  America  in 
time  for  thy  birthday.  It  will  have  to  travel  in  a  large 
steamer  across  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  that  very  large  sea 
thou  came  over  with  father  and  mother  and  sisters, 
and  then  it  must  go  by  the  "puff-puff"  to  Baltimore, 
and  then  the  postman  will  perhaps  say,  '  Here  is  a 
letter  for  a  little  boy,  George  Bevan  Emmott,  we  must 
look  for  him  in  the  nursery.'  And  such  a  nice  nursery 
dear  grandfather  tells  me  you  have  in  your  new  home. 
I  wish  I  could  peep  in  and  see  you  all.  I  am  glad 
to  hear  thou  has  been  to  meeting  with  dear  mother 
and  was  such  a  good  little  boy.  I  send  thee  many  kisses 
and  pray  the  Lord  may  bless  thee  and  make  thee  a 
blessing. 

"  Thy  affectionate   grandmother, 

"  MARTHA  BRAITHWAITE." 

To     her    grand-daughter,     Mary    K.     Emmott,     aged 
five    and  a  half — from    Burnham  : — 
"  My  precious  little   Mary, 

"  I  am  very  much  obliged  for  thy  nice  letter.  I  do 
want  to  see  thee  again  very  much  and  hope  thou  wilt 
come  to  England  again  some  day  with  dear  father 
and  mother,  and  then  thou  must  show  me  all  the 
beautiful  shells  thou  hast  picked  up  at  Nantucket,  and 


AET.7I.  277 

perhaps  we  can  find  the  names  of  them  and  arrange 
them  in  thy  little  cabinet.  I  am  very  sorry  dear  Elsie 
is  so  poorly  again.  Thou  must  lend  her  some  of  thy 
toys,  and  do  all  thou  can  to  comfort  her,  and  we  must 
ask  Heavenly  Father  to  make  her  better.  I  expect 
Bevan  likes  to  have  his  spade  and  dig  in  the  sand. 
Freddy  and  John  are  very  busy  every  day  with  their 
spades,  and  their  papa  helps  them  to  make  tunnels  and 
bridges  and  sea- side  gardens,  and  then  there  are 
donkeys  here,  which  they  like  to  ride.  How  nice  it 
would  be  if  you  could  all  play  together.  I  thought  thy 
letter  was  very  nicely  written  for  such  a  little  girl. 
Now  I  must  say  farewell,  and  with  very  much  love,  I  am 
"  Thy  fondly  affectionate  grandmother, 

"  MARTHA  BRAITHWAITE." 

But  above  all  she  strove  to  lead  them  to  love 
and  trust  their  dear  Saviour,  talking  to  them  in 
simple  earnest  words  of  His  love  and  His 
willingness  to  help  them.  The  following  extract  is 
from  a  letter  to  one  of  her  grandsons,  aged  eight 
years  : — 

"  I  think  of  thee  very,  very  often  as  a  dear  little 
boy,  earnestly  striving  to  do  the  will  of  Thy  Heavenly 
Father,  and  to  live  as  one  of  His  own  dear  children, 
redeemed  by  the  precious  blood  of  Christ.  If  thou 
thus  strives  day  by  day,  God  will  help  thee  to 
overcome,  and  every  time  thou  art  enabled  to  do  right 
it  will  make  it  easier  for  thee  the  next  time.  Do  not 
try  and  fight  against  Satan  in  thy  own  strength,  but 
look  to  thy  dear  Saviour,  who  will  overcome  for  thee. 
Often  pray  for  His  help  and  blessing,  and  may  He 
Himself  lead  thee  into  the  green  pastures  of  life,  and 
make  thee  to  lie  down  beside  the  still  waters." 


27  1895- 

The  following,  dictated  a  little  more  than  a 
week  before  her  death,  may  also  be  taken  as  an 
illustration  of  the  sweet  little  messages  which  she 
so  often  sent  them  : — 

3rd  mo.  i8th,  1895. — "  I  like  the  text  which  thou 
hast  chosen  for  me,  dear  Sarah,  "God  is  our  Refuge." 
In  all  our  times  of  trouble  and  distress,  let  us  ever 
go  to  fiim  and  He  will  be  a  Refuge  for  us,  "a  very 
present  Help  in  trouble"  I  have  found  Him  to  be 
so  to  me  for  more  than  seventy  years. 

"Thy  loving  grandmother." 

She  was  as  well  as  usual  and  entering  into 
all  the  busy  life  around  with  her  wonderful 
brightness  and  loving  interest  until  the  i8th  of 
2nd  month,  1895.  Then  she  became  poorly  with  an 
attack  of  shingles,  which  proved  very  severe.  It 
was  very  painful,  and  though  she  tried  to  keep 
about  downstairs,  it  was  found  in  three  or  four 
days  to  be  too  great  an  effort,  and  she  was  per- 
suaded to  remain  in  her  bedroom  and  little 
sitting-room  adjoining  it.  In  the  lovingkindness 
of  the  Lord  our  dear  aunt  from  Banbury  was 
unexpectedly  brought  to  London  a  few  days 
after  the  illness  began,  and  rinding  that  the 
friend  she  had  come  to  nurse  did  not  need  her 
for  long,  she  stayed  to  be  with  our  mother.  There 
was  no  idea  then  of  the  probability  of  a  fatal 
termination  to  the  illness,  and  no  time  occurred 
at  all  before  the  end  when  sufficient  anxiety 
was  felt  to  have  sent  for  our  Aunt,  so  we  were 
the  more  thankful  that  it  was  so  ordered.  The 


AET.  72.  279 

almost  constant  pain  and  extreme  discomfort 
deprived  our  dear  mother  of  sleep,  even  during 
the  night,  for  just  about  four  weeks.  She  was 
very  patient  all  through,  very  grateful  for  every- 
thing which  was  done  for  her,  and  still  lovingly 
thoughtful  for  others,  caring  more  that  the  work 
for  the  extension  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  various 
ways  and  for  His  Church  should  be  done,  than 
that  she  should  be  thought  of.  She  and  all  at 
home  were  looking  forward  with  great  pleasure 
to  the  arrival  of  the  dear  ones  from  Japan,  who 
were  already  on  their  way  home,  coming  by 
steamer  from  Yokohama  to  Southampton.  Every 
day  was  bringing  them  nearer  and  she  hoped  to 
welcome  them  early  in  the  4th  month.  She  had 
the  little  map  of  their  voyage  beside  her  every 
day,  and  was  planning  many  things  for  their 
comfort.  But  the  earthly  meeting  was  not  to  be. 
The  doctor  said  he  thought  the  attack,  which  had 
been  one  of  unwonted  severity,  was  passing  off  well, 
and  he,  with  those  at  home,  looked  forward  to  a 
gradual  but  steady  increase  of  strength  ;  but  the 
neuralgic  pains  which  followed  were  so  extremely 
severe,  and  left  such  great  weakness,  that  another 
doctor  was  called  in.  He  assured  those  around 
her  that  there  was  every  cause  to  expect  a 
good  recovery,  but  that  it  would  take  time. 
So  the  days  passed  on  :  our  mother  was  partly 
dressed  every  day  all  through  the  illness,  finding 
it  easier  to  be  up  than  in  bed.  On  the  25th 
she  was  for  some  time  in  her  little  sitting-room^ 


280  1895. 

very  frail,  but  still  trying  to  do  a  little.  The 
26th,  her  last  day  on  earth,  was  an  especially 
bright  and  peaceful  one.  One  of  her  daughters 
says :  "  She  had  a  quiet,  happy  day,  and  much 
enjoyed  talking  about  Carrie  and  the  children, 
and  planning  how  everything  should  be  arranged 
for  them.  She  said  that  she  wanted  to  have  a 
black  toy  donkey  bought  for  the  children  to  play 
with,  with  panniers  on  his  back,  and  a  train — 
they  would  be  sure  to  want  to  play  at  trains — 
and  there  must  be  a  bell  got  to  ring  for  a 
signal.  Several  other  things  she  mentioned  which 
have  been  very  touching  and  yet  very  sweet  to 
attend  to  for  her  since."  Whilst  she  was  having 
her  early  tea  our  father  came  in  from  a  family 
visit  he  had  been  paying  and  sat  with  her  for 
a  little  while.  She  was  much  interested  in  hear- 
ing about  it,  and  then,  it  being  their  eldest 
daughter's  birthday,  they  talked  together  of  the 
years  which  had  passed  since  she  had  been 
given  to  them,  and  of  their  many  blessings.  Of 
this  our  father  wrote  : — 

"After  reading  a  short  portion  of  Scripture,  I  con- 
cluded with  a  few  words  of  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 
So  ended  our  hallowed  communion  of  nearly  forty-four 
years,  both  thy  dear  mother  and  myself  being  merci- 
fully spared  the  pang  of  knowing  that  these  were  the 
last  moments  of  entire  consciousness  we  should  be 
permitted  to  enjoy  together  upon  earth." 

Our  mother  slept  very  little  during  the  night, 
and  as  usual  since  the  illness  began  sat  up  for 


AET.  72. 


28l 


an  hour  or  more  several  times.  She  appeared  to 
sleep  quietly  between  five  and  six  o'clock,  and 
then  roused,  saying  she  would  like  to  get  up  and 
have  some  food.  Whilst  helping  her  to  her  chair 
her  daughter  noticed  how  increasingly  feeble  she 
seemed,  and  the  rest  of  the  household  were 
quickly  called.  But  unconsciousness  had  already 
set  in,  the  earthly  service  was  accomplished,  and 
the  Master  was  calling  her  into  His  own  imme- 
diate presence.  She  had  u  wralked  with  God,"  and 
she  "  was  not  ;  for  God  took  her." 

No  last  words  were  needed  to  complete  the 
testimony  of  a  life  lived  as  hers  had  been  by 
faith  in  the  Son  of  God.  She  knew  in  whom 
she  had  believed.  One  of  the  very  last  entries 
in  her  journal  so  beautifully  expresses  her  faith 
and  hope  that  it  may  be  appropriately  quoted 
here  : — 

"  It  is  a  great  comfort  to  know  that  for  every 
trial  through  which  the  Lord  may  be  pleased  to  lead 
me,  He  has  prepared  the  needed  grace  and  strength. 
So  there  need  be  on  my  part  no  anxious  care.  I  may 
rest  in  His  covenant  of  love  and  mercy.  '  The  Lord 
will  perfect  that  which  concerneth  me,'  and  to  Him  I 
desire  afresh  to,  commit  my  all,  and  to  praise  His 
great  and  glorious  name  for  His  redeeming  love  to  me 
in  Christ  my  Saviour. 

'  Soon   shall   my  eyes   behold  Thee, 

With   rapture   face    to   face, 
One   half  hath   not  been   told  me 
Of  all   Thy  power   and  grace. 


282  I89S. 

Thy  beauty,    Lord,    and  glory, 

The  wonders   of  Thy  love 

Shall  be   the  wondrous   story 

Of  all  Thy   saints   above.' 

Prepare   me,    O   Lord,    I   beseech    Thee,   to  join    in   that 
everlasting"  song  of  praise." 

The  funeral  took  place  at  the  Friend's  burying 
ground"  at  Winchmore  Hill,  a  beautiful  and  quiet 
spot,  and  there  on  the  afternoon  of  Third-day, 
4th  mo.  2nd,  1895,  a  large  company  of  relatives 
and  friends  gathered  to  see  her  remains  laid  in 
their  last  earthly  resting  place.  Our  father  writing 
to  one  of  his  absent  children  says  : — 

"As  we  stood  around  the  grave  the  silence  was 
deep  and  impressive.  Standing  there  I  was  constrained 
and  enabled  to  say,  '  How  can  we  enough  praise  our 
Father  in  heaven  for  the  revelation  of  His  redeeming 
mercy  and  love  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  through  whom 
He  hath  abolished  death,  and  brought  life  and 
immortality  to  light  through  the  Gospel,  enabling  them 
that  believe  on  Him  to  say  in  the  humble  confidence 
of  His  dear  children,  "Thanks  be  unto  God  who  hath 
given  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  "The 
Lord  gave  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord."  A  sweet  pause  followed  ; 
several  other  voices  were  heard,  and  we  retired  into 
the  Meeting  House,  which  was  quite  full,  while  many 
stood  around  the  door." 

It  was  a  solemn  meeting,  in  which  Christ  was 
lifted  up  as  the  only  Saviour  from  sin  :  the  One 
through  whom  she  had  become  what  she  was, 
and  had  now  entered  into  His  immediate 


AET.  72.  283 

presence,   and   all   were   earnestly    invited   to   come 
and   find   rest   in   the   same   precious   Saviour. 

In  the  evening  a  large  company  of  the 
immediate  relatives  and  friends  met  at  the  house, 
when  they  had,  as  one  present  expressed  it,  a 
"very,  very  sweet  time."  A  short  sketch  of  her 
life  was  read,  and  this  was  followed  by  many 
testimonies  to  the  power  of  Christ  as  shown  in 
her  life  and  conversation,  by  thanksgiving  for  her 
consecrated  service,  and  by  prayer  for  grace  that 
those  present  might  be  enabled  to  follow  her  as 
she  had  followed  Christ. 

Perhaps  we  cannot  better  close  this  little 
sketch  than  by  quoting  the  words  of  her  son-in- 
law,  Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas,  on  this  occasion,  seeming, 
as  they  do,  to  sum  up  much  of  what  was  then 
said,  and  to  express  clearly  and  briefly  the 
lesson  which  we  desire  that  each  one  who  reads 
this  little  volume  may  learn  from  her  life. 

"How  reverend  in  our  midst  she   stood, 

Or  knelt   in   grateful   praise  ! 
What   charm   of  Christian  womanhood, 

Was   in   her  household  ways  ! 
For   still   her   daily  living    meant 

No   duty  left    undone ; 
The   heavenly  and  the   human  blent 

Their  kindred  loves   in   one. 
The   dear  Lord's  best  interpreters 

Are   loving  human   souls ; 
The  Gospel  of  a  life    like   hers, 

Is   more  than   books   or  scrolls." 


284 

"It  seems  to  me  as  I  think  over  that  life  that  the 
message  that  comes  to  me  is — it  is  not  so  much  what 
we  do  as  what  we  are.  What  we  do,  what  we  seem 
to  accomplish,  that  which  we  lay  the  most  weight 
upon  in  regard  to  our  service,  is  by  no  means  always 
the  most  important.  At  this  time,  what  the  work  of 
the  Lord  needs  is,  I  believe,  not  so  much  defence, 
not  so  much  activity,  although  both  have  their  place, 
but  it  is  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ ;  that  each  one 
of  us  should  recognise,  as  I  believe  she  did,  that  it 
is  for  us  to  be  one  of  the  revealers,  one  of  the 
unveilers  of  Jesus  Christ  to  those  about  us  ;  and  those 
who  see  Jesus  not  only  as  we  read  of  Him,  those  who 
see  Jesus  our  Lord  manifested  forth  in  our  life,  in 
conversation,  in  the  home,  in  the  unselfishness  as  well 
as  in  the  clear  word  of  testimony,  cannot,  some  of 
them  at  least,  but  come  to  know  Him.  We  need  have 
Jesus  in  our  hearts,  to  recognise  that  He  is  here  and 
that  now  He  is  a  living  power.  I  believe  that  the 
great  blessing  of  her  life  consisted  chiefly  in  this, 
which  gave  power  and  meaning  and  force  to  her  ser- 
vice. No  one  could  live  with  her  without  recognising, 
not  only  that  Jesus  seemed  a  reality  to  her,  but  that 
He  was  a  reality  to  her;  and  His  reality  to  her, 
became  through  her  a  reality  to  others." 


APPENDIX. 


A  MOTHER'S  HINTS  ON  THE   EDUCATION  OF 
HER   CHILDREN. 

HAVING  thought  much  of  late  on  the  best  course  to 
pursue  in  the  right  training  and  government  of  our 
precious  children,  I  here  oifer  to  those  who  may  be 
similarly  circumstanced  the  few  gleanings  which  I  have 
collected,  chiefly  from  Louisa  Hoare's  little  tract,  "Friendly 
Advice  to  Parents,"  interspersed  with  a  few  of  my  own 
thoughts,  with  the  fervent  desire  and  prayer  that  the 
Lord  may  condescend  to  add  His  blessing,  and  to 
strengthen  those  who  may  be  parents  in  humble  dependence 
on  His  all-sufficient  help,  so  as  to  train  up  their  beloved 
children  that  they  may  be  fitted  to  glorify  Him  in  that 
sphere  of  usefulness  and  of  service  which  may  be  allotted 
them  upon  earth,  and  may  be  prepared  to  serve  and 
praise  Him  for  ever  in  Heaven. 

M.  BRAITHWAITE. 


It  is  an  important  truth,  bearing  equally  upon  all  the 
duties  of  life,  that  in  the  present  world  we  are  in  a  state 
of  probation,  preparatory  to  a  better  and  more  enduring 
condition  hereafter.  Every  event  that  befalls  us,  every 
relationship  of  life  is  intended  and,  when  rightly  received, 
is  calculated  to  exercise  some  Christian  grace,  to  call 


286 

forth  and  improve  some  right  affection,  and  thus  through 
the  aid  and  power  of  Divine  grace  in  the  soul  to  perfect 
the  Christian  character,  and  to  render  us  fit  for  the 
enjoyment  of  the  heavenly  state  in  the  world  to  come. 
Both  calms  and  storms  are  designed  to  bring  us  to  this 
harbour ;  if  we  take  them  but  for  themselves  and  for 
this  present  life  we  lose  their  end,  life,  and  sweetness. 
"  Every  dispensation  of  God,  every  day's  mercies  and 
changes,  look  at  heaven  and  intend  eternity."  May  we 
who  are  parents  be  led  to  this  view  of  our  own  situation 
and  duties.  We  are  brought  into  the  closest  relationships 
of  human  life.  Let  us  not  look  upon  these  relationships 
as  they  regard  the  present  world  only,  but  as  a  means 
of  preparing  us  for  a  better.  It  should  be  one  of  our 
highest  duties  to  endeavour  to  do  good  to  our  children, 
but  we  must  not  forget  that  it  is  intended  that  they  also 
should  do  us  good,  that  they  are  designed  to  be  the 
means  of  calling  forth  our  tenderest  affections,  of 
enlarging  our  Christian  love,  of  exercising  our  patience, 
forbearance,  longsuffering,  submission  to  the  Divine  will, 
and  holy  confidence  in  God.  By  such  improvement 
of  our  own  character  we  shall  best  be  able  to  improve 
and  correct  that  of  our  children,  and  to  help  them 
forward  in  their  Christian  course.  But  let  us  never 
forget  that  we  cannot  in  our  own  strength  discharge  our 
duties  to  these  precious  objects  of  our  love  with  accept- 
ance in  the  Divine  sight.  We  must  be  daily  engaged 
to  seek  health  and  strength  from  above  if  we  would 
know  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  to  rest  upon  our  labours  ; 
our  hearts  must  be  often  poured  out  in  prayer  before 
Him  who  knoweth  our  need,  who  is  able  to  help 
availingly  and  enrich  us  with  heavenly  wisdom,  whereby 
we  may  be  enabled  to  train  up  our  dear  children  in  His 
fear,  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  In  this 


287 

dependence  on  Divine  aid  we  shall  be  enabled  to  set 
that  example  of  a  humble  Christian  which  so  beautifully 
enforces  the  pure  precepts  of  the  Gospel.  Our  own 
minds  will  be  seasoned  with  grace,  and  our  labours  will 
be  made  effectual  as  they  are  carried  on  and  blessed  by 
the  power  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ. 

In  ruling-  our  families,  we  should  find  our  ignorance 
instructed  and  our  weakness  assisted  were  we  more 
constantly  to  keep  in  mind  the  manner  in  which  we 
ourselves  are  dealt  with  by  our  Heavenly  Parent.  God 
is  a  God,  just  and  hating  iniquity,  visiting  transgression, 
and  that  taketh  account  of  sin :  and  shall  we  make 
light  of  that  which  God  hateth  ?  Shall  we,  from  a 
blind  affection  to  our  children,  venture  to  call  their 
evil  good  and  to  pass  over  those  transgressions  which 
it  is  our  bounden  duty  to  resist  to  the  utmost.  But 
while  God  is  just,  it  is  also  declared  that  He  is  love. 
He  is  a  God  of  patience,  longsuffering,  and  of  tender 
mercy,  not  willing  the  death  of  any  sinner,  but  ready 
to  receive  the  weakest  and  most  erring  of  His  children, 
who  repent  and  turn  to  Him  :  and  shall  we  be  angry 
and  impatient  at  every  trifling  offence,  ready  to  con- 
demn and  punish,  backward  in  exercising  that  long- 
suffering  and  forgiveness  that  we  so  much  need  our- 
selves. Further,  God  dealeth  bountifully  with  us,  daily 
loading  us  with  benefits,  giving  us  all  things  richly  to 
enjoy.  He  openeth  His  hand  and  satisfieth  the  desire 
of  every  living  thing.  So  let  our  children  find  us  ever 
ready  to  promote  their  happiness,  and  to  grant  them 
every  innocent  enjoyment,  but  at  the  same  time  firm 
in  resisting  their  unreasonable  desires,  and  in  with- 
drawing what  we  know  would  be  hurtful  to  them.  If 
we  thus  bear  in  mind  the  Divine  example,  and  endeavour 
to  conduct  ourselves  towards  our  children  according  to 


288 

the  spirit  and  precepts  of  the  Gospel,  we  may  humbly 
trust  that  we  may  be  made  the  means  of  preparing- 
the  way  for  the  Divine  government  in  their  hearts,  and 
that  their  affection  and  respect  to  ourselves  will  lead 
on  to  the  exercise  of  love  and  reverence  towards  their 
Heavenly  Parent. 

We  can  scarcely  begin  too  early  the  great  work  of 
subduing  the  will  and  temper  of  our  children ;  for  if 
we  once  allow  them  to  get  the  mastery  over  us,  it 
will  be  very  difficult  to  recover  our  authority.  We 
must  be  resolute  and  firm,  but  at  the  same  time  calm 
and  gentle  and  affectionate,  and,  having  maturely 
weighed  the  injunctions  we  find  it  necessary  to  impose, 
we  must  not  suffer  them  to  be  disregarded  or  dis- 
obeyed. When  true  parental  love,  regulated  by  the 
love  of  Christ  abiding  in  the  heart,  is  thus  exercised, 
it  often  produces  obedience  and  corresponding  love  in 
the  child.  It  is  not  by  humouring  our  children  and 
giving  them  everything  they  ask  for  or  desire  that  we 
shall  make  them  happy,  but  by  early  accustoming 
them  to  habits  of  self-restraint  and  filial  obedience. 
Every  child  has  by  nature  a  strong  and  selfish  will, 
which,  if  not  subdued,  may  prove  his  ruin,  both  here 
and  hereafter.  Many  are  the  opportunities  which  will 
be  afforded  us  for  thus  disciplining  the  tender  minds 
of  our  beloved  children.  Continually  shall  we  meet 
with  that  which  calls  for  the  exercise  of  patience, 
gentleness,  forbearance  and  love  on  our  part,  and 
continually  shall  we  be  called  upon  to  use  our  parental 
influence  in  endeavouring  to  turn  the  susceptible  minds 
of  our  infant  charges  in  a  right  direction,  and  to  give 
a  bias  to  their  characters  which  shall  stay  them 
through  life.  It  is  impossible  to  lay  down  particular 
rules  as  to  the  manner  of  enforcing  parental  authority, 


289 

but  gentleness  under  all  circumstances  should  regulate 
our  conduct  towards  our  children  from  their  earliest 
infancy.  We  must  study  their  dispositions  and  treat 
them  accordingly ;  above  all  seeking  ourselves  so  to 
live  under  the  influence  of  Heavenly  strength  and  wisdom 
that  we  may  never  be  taken  by  surprise  or  thrown  off 
our  guard  by  their  wayward  or  passionate  behaviour,  but 
be  prepared  to  meet  every  exigency  in  a  calm  and 
loving  spirit.  It  is  important  to  cultivate  cheerful- 
ness and  kindness,  because  our  children  will  be  much 
influenced  by  the  temper  of  mind  of  those  around  them. 
Their  slight  and  delicate  frames  are  subject  to  many 
disorders,  which  they  have  not  the  power  to  describe. 
During  illness,  more  tenderness,  more  patience,  more 
thoughtfulness  are  required;  not  constant  indulgence. 
Teething,  or  some  other  secret  pain,  or  clothes  that 
do  not  properly  fit,  may  often  be  the  only  cause  of 
their  fretfulness,  but  if  we  cannot  find  out  or  remove 
the  cause  of  irritation  in  our  child,  let  us  try  to  soothe 
him  by  maintaining  ourselves  an  undisturbed  calmness 
of  temper;  a  cheerful,  composed  manner  being  the  best 
means  of  soothing  an  impatient  child ;  whilst  harsh 
tones  of  voice  and  an  angry  countenance  will  only  add 
to  his  distress. 

In  the  management  of  our  families  we  must  not 
allow  ourselves  to  be  changeable  and  uncertain.  Few 
things  try  the  temper  of  a  child  more  than  to  be  at 
one  time  sharply  corrected  for  that  which  at  another 
time  is  passed  over  as  no  fault  at  all,  simply  because 
it  is  not  convenient  to  us  to  administer  the  correction. 
If  we  would  gain  the  respect  and  love  of  our  children 
we  must  be  consistent  with  ourselves ;  we  must  act 
from  what  we  know  to  be  right,  and  not  from  the 
impulse  of  temper  or  present  inclination.  Trifles  please 

20 


290 

children  as  well  as  distress  them,  and  the  watchful 
parent  will  know  how  to  ward  off  many  little  troubles 
and  vexations  without  either  humouring  or  indulging. 
For  instance,  if  the  infant  is  passionate  or  hasty  at 
the  sight  of  anything  he  may  want,  the  judicious 
mother  will  not  give  it  to  him  directly.  She  will  seek 
to  be  calm  herself,  will  wait  a  few  moments  till  his  first 
passion^  is  subsided,  meanwhile  endeavouring  to  divert 
him  by  turning  his  attention  to  some  other  object. 
Then,  when  he  is  quiet,  if  it  is  proper  for  him,  she  will 
give  him  what  he  wanted,  but  if  he  is  old  enough, 
she  will  first  require  him  to  ask  patiently  for  it. 

Again,  one  child  may  want  the  toy  which  another  is 
using ;  but  how  easy  to  find  something  that  will  please 
equally  well.  Those  who  would  keep  children  happy 
must  find  them  proper  amusement.  They  are  delighted 
to  be  made  useful,  and  for  this  reason  it  is  desirable 
early  to  accustom  them  to  do  as  much  as  they  can  for 
themselves.  Very  little  things  will  give  them  pleasure, 
but  we  must  be  careful  to  find  variety,  and  not  to  weary 
them  by  confining  their  attention  too  long  to  one  object. 

Children's  love  is  won  by  sympathy  more  than  any- 
thing else ;  we  must  endeavour  therefore  to  participate 
in  their  pleasures,  and  to  feel  for  them  under  their  little 
sorrows.  Yet  we  must  be  able  to  say  no,  and  when  we 
have  said  it,  not  to  alter ;  we  must  be  firm,  but  we  may 
be  gentle.  Neither  must  we  permit  what  is  wrong  to 
be  done  at  all,  or  at  any  time,  or  for  the  sake  of 
keeping  them  quiet  at  the  moment,  when  at  another 
time  we  refuse  it.  Such  conduct  will  cause  us  to  appear 
unjust,  and  our  children  being  sometimes  praised  and 
sometimes  blamed  for  the  same  thing,  sometimes  allowed 
to  do  it  and  at  others  sharply  reproved  for  it,  will  scarcely 
know  how  to  act,  and  will  probably  either  grow  careless 
or  deceitful. 


291 

When  we  have  once  refused  we  must  not  suffer 
ourselves  to  be  persuaded  into  yielding.  All  children 
will  persevere  in  trying  to  get  what  they  want  when 
they  have  once  succeeded.  If  they  are  very  young  it  is 
better  to  find  them  something  which  they  will  like  as 
well,  and  which  is  better  for  them,  having  plainly  said 
no  to  the  request. 

We  must  be  especially  careful  also  never  to  promise 
what  we  cannot  and  do  not  intend  to  perform.  If  we 
fail  our  children  will  no  longer  trust  us.  The  love  of 
truth  and  the  practise  of  it  are  only  to  be  taught 
children  by  allowing  them  to  see  that  it  is  observed  in 
all  things,  small,  as  well  as  great,  by  those  with  whom 
they  live  and  who  have  authority  over  them.  Children 
sometimes  do  and  say  things  which  are  not  right,  but 
in  so  droll  a  manner  that  we  can  scarcely  avoid  smiling. 
When  this  happens,  it  is  better  to  say  nothing  at  all 
than  to  put  on  the  next  instant  a  very  grave  face  and 
tell  them  they  are  very  naughty. 

With  respect  to  punishment  it  is  difficult  to  give 
advice,  but  let  it  ever  be  our  endeavour  to  prevent  all 
the  faults  we  can,  and  on  no  account  be  violent  or 
severe  ;  punishment  is  not  the  only  means  of  correcting 
the  faults  of  our  children.  Let  us  rule  as  far  as  possible 
by  love,  and  endeavour  to  gain  our  ends  by  encourage- 
ment and  rewards.  At  the  same  time  we  are  bound 
to  show  our  determined  abhorrence  of  sin  and  resolute 
opposition  to  it,  and  it  is  a  cruel  tenderness  to  pass 
over  offences  which,  if  not  corrected,  may  prove  the 
ruin  of  our  children.  Yet  we  must  remember  that 
punishment  will  either  do  good  or  a  great  deal  of 
harm,  and  that  much  will  depend  on  the  manner  in 
which  we  inflict  it.  Let  us  not  be  always  correcting 
our  children,  but  keep  our  punishments  for  important 


292 

offences.  "  The  good  parent  passeth  by  those  lesser 
defects  which  arise  from  the  thoughtlessness  of  child- 
hood, and  not  from  ill  intentions,  but  in  matters  of 
moment  none  are  more  zealous."  We  must  not  punish 
our  children  according  to  the  vexation  we  feel  ourselves, 
but  according  to  their  faultiness ;  neither  must  we 
punish  in  anger.  In  most  cases  mild  punishments  will 
answer  letter  than  those  which  are  violent,  and  par- 
ticularly if  we  do  not  inflict  them  at  the  moment  the 
fault  is  committed.  Instead  of  a  few  angry  words  and 
hard  blows  at  the  moment,  let  us  have  patience  to 
take  the  child  on  our  knee,  calmly  endeavour  to  con- 
vince him  of  his  fault,  assure  him  that  disobedience 
is  a  thing  we  cannot  pass  over,  and  tell  him  we  shall 
therefore  put  him  to  bed  at  night  at  five  instead  of 
seven  o'clock,  and  we  shall  find  that  this  expectation 
will  have  a  secret  effect  upon  him  throughout  the  day, 
that  the  impression  on  his  mind  is  lasting,  and  that 
he  will  be  the  more  careful  to  obey  our  orders  for  the 
future.  One  such  punishment,  calmly  and  very  seriously 
inflicted,  will  produce  more  effect  than  many  hasty  blows 
and  angry  words. 

It  is  our  duty  to  seek  to  cultivate  in  our  children 
a  peaceable  and  quiet  temper,  but  if  we  would  rule  them 
well  we  shall  find  it  absolutely  necessary  first  to  control 
our  own  spirit.  Some  parents  tease  their  children  by 
putting  upon  them  unnecessary  trials.  When  children 
ask  for  anything,  tell  them  kindly  and  at  once  whether 
they  may  have  it  or  not.  To  keep  them  in  suspense 
when  we  can  avoid  it  is  unnecessarily  to  distress  them. 
Let  us  seek  to  inculcate  in  the  minds 'of  our  precious 
charge  that  heavenly  exhortation,  "  Be  kindly  affectioned 
one  to  another,  with  brotherly  love,  in  honour  preferring 
one  another."  We  must  accustom  them  to  self-denial, 


293 

to  give  up  their  own  will  for  the  comfort  and  pleasure  of 
others,  that  love  and  kindness  may  become  the  covering 
of  their  spirits. 

Truth  and  sincerity  are  important  virtues  to 
cultivate  to  the  utmost  of  our  power.  Let  our 
children  be  satisfied  from  constant  experience  that  we 
shall  never  deceive  them,  that  we  promise  or  threaten 
only  what  we  mean  to  perform,  and  let  them  be 
sure  that  our  word  once  passed  will  not  be  broken, 
and  we  shall  have  attained  one  of  the  most  important 
points  towards  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  our  family. 
If  a  child  commit  a  fault,  or  meet  with  an  accident, 
and  freely  tell  us  of  it,  let  us  receive  the  confession 
with  kindness,  and  be  ever  ready  to  forgive  lesser 
offences  for  the  sake  of  truth  and  honesty.  Let  us 
seek  by  prudence  and  tenderness  to  bring  our  children 
to  honour  us  as  parents,  and  at  the  same  time  to  be 
free  and  open  with  us  as  their  best  and  kindest 
friends,  ever  ready  to  confess  their  faults  and  to  come 
to  us  for  help  and  counsel  under  all  their  little  diffi- 
culties and  troubles,  but  in  order  that  we  may  encourage 
this  confidence  in  our  children  we  must  on  our  side  be 
careful  to  show  the  same  confidence  towards  them. 
Without  a  very  strong  reason  we  must  not  appear  to 
doubt  their  word  or  suspect  that  they  have  deceived 
us — a  charge  brought  against  a  child  unjustly  may  do 
him  much  harm.  Yet  we  are  not  to  neglect  the 
beginnings  of  evil.  Let  us  endeavour  to  inculcate  into 
our  families  a  just  sense  of  the  value  of  time,  as  a 
talent  which  must  be  solemnly  accounted  for  hereafter, 
and  teach  them  that  as  by  squandering  pence  they 
are  soon  deprived  of  shillings  and  pounds,  so  by 
wasting  minutes  they  will  lose  not  only  hours  but 
•days,  months  and  years. 


294 

In  order  to  do  this  we  must  train  up  our  children  at 
home  to  habits  of  industry  and  activity,  and  provide 
them  with  proper  employment  for  their  leisure  'hours. 
Quite  young  children  will  generally  be  much  delighted 
to  be  made  useful,  and  much  may  be  done  in  this 
way  to  instruct  and  discipline  their  minds,  without  its 
becoming  wearisome  or  tiresome.  Prudence  and  economy 
seem  to,  go  hand  in  hand  with  industry.  We  should 
accustom  our  children  to  look  beyond  the  passing 
moment,  and  to  be  willing  to  make  present  sacrifices 
for  the  sake  of  future  good.  They  should  not  be 
allowed  to  spend  thoughtlessly  or  to  use  carelessly 
anything  they  may  possess ;  and  they  should  be 
encouraged  to  save  their  little  earnings  by  having 
some  small  addition  promised  when  some  given  sum 
is  collected.  Not  that  this  is  to  be  done  at  the  expense 
of  charity ;  on  the  contrary,  these  very  habits  will  at 
the  same  time  afford  the  opportunity  for  imparting 
something  to  others.  They  will  feel  it  a  delight  to 
consider  the  poor,  a  privilege  to  add  their  mite  for 
their  comfort,  and  will  thus  come  early  to  realize  the 
truth  of  the  declaration  that  it  is  more  blessed  to  give 
than  to  receive. 

There  can  be  no  domestic  comfort  without  good  order 
and  neatness,  and  these  will  produce  a  decided  effect 
upon  the  character.  The  good  order  of  a  family  will 
greatly  depend  upon  rising  early,  regular  hours,  and  a 
strict  attention  to  the  maxim,  "A  place  for  everything, 
and  everything  in  its  place."  A  well-ordered  mind  will 
spread  around  it  the  spirit  of  order  and  regularity,  and 
we  should  be  careful  at  all  times  to  avoid  slovenliness 
and  confusion. 

It  should  be  our  daily,  our  continued  study,  to  give 
our  children  a  love  for  home.  We  can  hardly  sufficiently 


295 

feel  how  important  this  will  be  as  our  family  is  growing 
up  around  us,  for  it  will  tend  much  to  keep  them  from 
evil  companions  and  from  corrupting  pleasures.  We 
may  have  but  few  indulgences  to  bestow  upon  them,  but 
the  law  of  love  and  kindness,  in  addition  to  industrious 
habits,  will  make  young  people  happy  even  in  the  most 
humble  abode.  Much  might  be  said  on  furnishing 
them  with  profitable  and  instructive  reading,  or  choosing 
for  them  suitable  companions,  or  directing  the  employ- 
ments of  their  varied  talents  into  channels  of  useful- 
ness and  benevolence,  but  it  is  time  to  hasten  to  the 
most  important  part  of  our  care  over  our  little  ones. 
In  all  the  varieties  of  our  objects  the  object  of  supreme 
importance  is  that  during  our  short  time  of  trial  here 
the  soul  may  be  redeemed  from  sin  and  be  prepared 
for  the  enjoyment  of  eternal  life.  It  is  only  by  the 
love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  being  allowed  to  operate 
in  our  own  hearts  that  we  shall  be  enabled  to  dedicate 
our  children  to  Him.  It  is  only  by  personal 
obedience  to  the  Gospel  of  Christ  that  we  can  be 
prepared  to  render  up  our  account  of  the  trust 
committed  to  us  with  joy  and  not  with  grief.  Let 
those  parents  who  are  oppressed  by  the  sense  of 
their  own  ignorance  and  their  insufficiency  to  direct 
others — and  who  among  us  will  not  feel  that  without 
Divine  help  we  can  do  nothing — take  encouragement 
from  the  privilege  that,  if  any  man  lacks  wisdom,  he 
may  ask  of  God,  and  it  shall  be  given  him — for  the 
fountain  of  wisdom  and  strength  which  is  in  Him  is 
ever  open  to  those  who  will  come  and  draw  from  it. 
Our  time  with  our  beloved  children  may  be  but  short, 
and  how  many  of  us  have  had  to  feel  that  they  are 
to  us  uncertain  treasures.  Let  us  neglect  no  oppor- 
tunity for  exerting  our  parental  influence  in  training 


296 

them  up  in  the  way  in  which  they  should  go.  Every 
sacrifice  we  may  have  to  make  for  this  end  will  be 
abundantly  rewarded.  Even  our  prayers  as  they  are 
offered  in  sincerity  and  in  faith,  poor  and  imperfect 
as  they  may  often  to  ourselves  seem,  will  be  as  a  rich 
inheritance  for  them  when  we  are  gone.  The  exercise 
of  our  spirits  on  their  account,  and  our  labour,  shall 
.not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord,  and  should  we  be  called 
upon  to  part  with  any  of  these  beloved  ones,  how 
unspeakable  will  be  the  consolation  if  we  have  been 
enabled  through  Divine  assistance  to  train  them  for 
heaven.  Nevertheless  we  shall  often  have  need  of 
patience,  that  "after  we  have  done  the  will  of  God 
we  may  receive  the  promise." 

But  the  promises  of  God  are  sure.  "The  habitation 
of  the  just  shall  be  blessed"  (Prov.  iii.  33).  "His 
seed  is  blessed"  (Psalm  xxxvii.  26).  "Train  up  a 
child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old 
he  will  not  depart  from  it"  (Proverbs  xxii.  6).  "The 
children  of  Thy  servant  shall  continue,  and  their  seed 
shall  be  established  before  Thee"  (Psalms  cii.  28). 


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